Bumelia lycioides - (L.)Pers.
(L.)Pers.
Shittamwood
gbif· cc-by-nc
Eastern Kentucky University, Ronald L. Jones Herbarium (EKY)
gbif· cc-by-nc
University of Georgia Herbarium (GA-)
gbif· cc0
University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM)
Description
Bumelia lycioides is a deciduous Tree growing to 8 m (26ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Fruit. No further details. The fruit has a thick flesh and is about 10mm in diameter.
Distribution
South-eastern N. America - Virginia to Florida, west to Indiana and Texas.
Where It Grows
NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Indiana (Perry Co.), Illinois (south), Missouri (southeast), Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Texas
Cultivation
Succeeds in a warm sunny site in any freely draining moderately fertile soil. Plants are cut back by temperatures below about -15°c but they regenerate freely from the base 200]. Succeeds outdoors at Kew, though it is not very vigorous. This species rarely, if ever, fruits in Britain. The tree at Kew flowered freely in the long hot summer of 1989 but did not produce fruit.
Propagation
Seed - we have no details on this species but would suggest that if ripe seed can be obtained it should be sown straight away in a cold greenhouse. Stored seed can be sown in late winter or early spring in a greenhouse. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Other Uses
Wood. Wood - heavy, hard, not strong, close grained. It weighs about 46lb per cubic foot. Of no commercial value, it is used for tool handles, cabinet making etc.
