Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Sapotaceae

Genus:

Sideroxylon

Species:

Sideroxylon tenax

USDA Symbol:

SITE2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

914 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun

Bloom Colors:

white

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

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

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Can resprout after fire; fire helps maintain open habitat.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to coastal areas; tolerates drought

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

30–60 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.