Ogeechee lime, Ogeechee tupelo, Sout tupelo
Nyssa ogeche

Family: Cornaceae

What it is like

A small tree. There can be one or more trunks and they are leaning and crooked. The crown is narrow and rounded. It grows 9-12 m high. The trunk is 30 cm across. The leaves are 10-14 cm long by 5-6 cm wide. They are oblong and have a blunt point. They are shiny dark green above and paler underneath. The flowers are green and hairy. There are many male flowers in small heads 12 mm wide. The female flowers occur singly. Male and female flowers are usually on separate trees. The fruit are large and orange coloured. They are 2.5-4 cm long. The pulp is juicy and sour. The stone has 10-12 papery wings.

Also put in the family Nyssaceae.

Where it is found

Temperate. It grows in wet locations along streams and swamps. It is usually within 2 m of the waterlevel and in areas flooded for long periods. In the southern USA it grows up to 75 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The sour fruit are used to make a lime like drink. They can also be used for preserves. They can be eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit, honey

How it is grown

It can be grown from seeds. It can also be grown from root sprouts.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Nyssa capitata Walters; Nyssa uniflora Wangenh. ?;