| Mastic | |
| Sideroxylon foetidissimum |
Small, yellow-orange fruit with gummy pulp.
Description: Large tree to 80ft. This evergreen tree is a fast-grower and tends to flower on and off all year. Flowers have a cheese-like odor.
Hardiness: Hardy to the upper 20's (F).
Growing Environment: Grows naturally in dry forests and the tree is quite drought hardy. It also makes a nice specimen near seashores due to its good salt tolerance.
Propagation: By seed. Scarify seeds before planting for faster germination.
Uses: Fruits can be eaten fresh, though they are usually more popular with birds. The tree is most commonly grown for its pretty, yellow-orange heartwood. The tree was heavily logged and is now uncommon in the wild.
Native Range: Native to Central America and the Caribbean.
Local Adaptation:
Florida - Grows well in southern parts of Florida.