Ironwood, Tough bully
Bumelia tenax
Family: Sapotaceae
What it is like
Bumelia tenax is a deciduous Tree growing to 8 m (26ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in October. 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.
Height (m): 8
Where it is found
Dry sandy soils, in sand-pine forests and with coastal oak.
South-eastern N. America - North Carolina to Florida.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw. A sweet flavour. It is up to 14mm long.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Wood - heavy, hard, close grained. Of no commercial value because the trees are too small.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Succeeds in a warm sunny site in any freely draining moderately fertile soil. This species is probably hardy in the milder areas of the country. Another report says that plants are cut back by temperatures below about -15°c but that they can regenerate freely from the base.
Propagating it: 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist