This member of the ebony family prefers open,
sandy areas but will grow in a variety of conditions.
Description
This medium-sized tree generally grows to heights of 60 feet and has a
trunk diameter of two feet.
Leaves
The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to elliptic, entire, and
deciduous. Leaves are two and ½ to six-inches long and are green and shiny on the top of
the leaf and pale underneath. There is a sharp point at the end of each leaf.
Flowers
The flowers are small and unisexual. Male flowers are 2/5-inch wide
and found in clusters. The solitary female is 3/5-inch wide. Generally male and female flowers are found on
separate plants. Flowers appear in May, and are yellowish or cream white in color and have
a slight bell shape to them.
Fruit
The fruit is a round, pulpy, orange-colored berry that is 3/4 to one and
a ½-inches in diameter. The fruit is strongly astringent while green, but is very sweet
by the time it matures in late summer.
Bark
The bark of old trees is almost black and is separated into thick square
blocks. Twigs often have a zig-zag appearance.
Landscape usage
This tree makes a good fruiting
specimen tree. It can be used in most locations where fruit drop is not a problem. The
fruit is eaten by an array of wild animals.
Interesting fact
This fruit can be baked into bread or made
into a wine. The seeds can be ground and used as a coffee substitute and the leaves may be
brewed to make a tea.
