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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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