Crabwood
Gymnanthes lucida

Found in coastal hammocks throughout the Florida Keys and Dade County.

This is a round tree that grows to 25 feet with four inch oval leaves and catkins of small green or reddish flowers. Male and female flowers are separate.

The half inch rounded pod splits and scatters three small seeds when dry. They are not an important food for birds. The Florida Purplewing butterfly larva feeds on this plant in the Keys.

Mix this tree in with other hammock species up thru Palm Beach county. The burgundy new growth is beautiful and the moderate size and round shape make this a good front yard tree. Tall paradise, mastic, oak and pigeon plum can be planted nearby while Jamaica caper, black ironwood, marlberry, stoppers and lancewood will need their own space of 10-20 feet from this tree.

Protect from direct salt air and flooding. Average dry soil is fine.