Gymnanthes Lucida

Gymnanthes Lucida Tree Description

Gymnanthes lucida (Crabwood) grows in coastal hammocks in South Florida; where it is a relatively common tree or shrub in some areas. This small to medium-size tree, it is typically 10-25 feet tall, has an erect trunk with gray to reddish-brown bark flaking off to expose the light brown inner bark. It develops a narrow to roundish crown of oval, smooth, glossy, leathery, entire or toothed, dark-green leaves about 4 inches long; sometimes with gray lichens growing on them. New leaves are generally a reddish color and contain aromatic oil.

Furthermore, flowers are inconspicuous, small, fragrant, yellow-green or reddish; male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. Pollination mostly occurs through wind, but they also attract insects. Besides, fruits which are inconspicuous, small green capsules, 1/2 inch in diameter; they turn brown when mature, and typically contain 3 seeds. Seeds is the tree’s form of propagation.

Gymnanthes Lucida Crabwood Tree Cultivation

In cultivation, Gymnanthes lucida tree is moderately hardy and grows well on moist well-drained limestone soils with a top layer of humus. In landscaping, the tree can be an accent tree or specimen tree in a front yard or native plant garden. It can also be grown as a shrub to form a buffer or hedge in parking lots.

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