Colubrina Elliptica

Description

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Colubrina Elliptica (Soldierwood) is a small tree or shrub, measuring 10 to 20 feet (6.1 m) in height. It has a slender trunk and branches with a dense irregular shape crown. Also, the bark is orange-brown, mottled, it fissures and peels off in thin layers. In addition, the simple dark green, shiny leaves are alternate, and entire. The elliptic leaves measure 2.5 to 6 inches (15.24 cm) long. They also have scattered gland spots near the margin.

Furthermore, its flowers are borne in yellow green leaf axils. Soldierwood has tiny blooms about 1/16 inches long. The orange red fruit is globose, about the size of a peppercorn and seeds for propagation purposes.

Colubrina Elliptica (Soldierwood) has dark brown to yellowish, heavy, hard strong wood used for posts. An interesting fact is that you can make soft drinks from the bark and the fruit. The drink is said to have medicinal properties. For more aesthetic purposes you can use the seeds to make necklaces.

This plant does well in a range of soil types with good drainage. In landscaping, with Or pruning, Soldierwood can be a small specimen tree or large shrub in gardens or patios. Or you can It can grow it in a planter or in a native plant garden.