False Mastic

Sideroxylon foetidissimum

Native to:
Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Is., Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Navassa Island, Puerto Rico, Southwest Caribbean, Trinidad-Tobago, United States, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Sapotaceae
Genus:
Sideroxylon
Species:
Sideroxylon foetidissimum
USDA Symbol:
SIFO

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
1500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jan,feb,oct,nov,dec
Bloom Colors:
yellow, cream

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Acrocercops sideroxylonella, Phyllocnistis intermediella

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, mammals
Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers limestone-based soils in native range