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Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Chrysophyllum oliviforme

Chrysophyllum oliviforme L.

Satinleaf

Sapotaceae (Sapodilla Family)

Synonym(s): Cynodendron oliviforme

USDA Symbol: CHOL

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), HI (I), PR (N)

The distinguishing characteristic of this evergreen is the copper-colored covering on the flower buds, young twigs and leaf undersides. The upper surface of the oval leaves is dark, shiny green but a breeze sets to motion a display of golden-brown colors. Dark purple, olive-shaped fruits occur in leaf axils, ripening all year.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Usually up to about 30 feet tall. May reach about 45 feet in South Florida.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Yellow
Bloom Time: Jan , Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov , Dec
Bloom Notes: Flowers mostly in late summer. May flower sporadically year round.

Distribution

USA: FL
Native Distribution: FL Keys to the Caloosahatchee R.
Native Habitat: Coastal mounds; pineland hammocks

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Description: Well-drained soil.
Conditions Comments: Salt tolerant. Intolerant of high water and frequent irrigation. An attractive, low maintenance species.

Propagation

Description: Easily propagated from seed.
Commercially Avail: yes

Web Reference

Webref 57 - Atlas of Florida Plants (2020) Institute for Systematic Botany
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 81 - Natives For Your Neighborhood (2020) The Institute for Regional Conservation
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Chrysophyllum oliviforme in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Chrysophyllum oliviforme in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Chrysophyllum oliviforme

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-05-16
Research By: TWC Staff

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