False Mastic
Sideroxylon foetidissimum
- Native to:
- Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Is., Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Navassa Island, Puerto Rico, Southwest Caribbean, Trinidad-Tobago, United States, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
Wikimedia: Photo by David J. Stang
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Sapotaceae
- Genus:
- Sideroxylon
- Species:
- Sideroxylon foetidissimum
- USDA Symbol:
- SIFO
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 3000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- greenish-yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Acrocercops sideroxylonella, Phyllocnistis intermediella
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small 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