FNPS Plant Database

Gymnanthes lucida

crabwood, oysterwood
  • Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

crabwood, oysterwood

Synonym(s):

Ateramnus lucida

Genus species:

Gymnanthes lucida

Family:

Euphorbiaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

tree

Size:

10-25 (30) ft

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

yellowish-green (not showy)

Fruit Color:

black-brown capsurles

Phenology:

Evergreen. Bloms year round with a peak in spring-summer. Wind pollinated.

Noted For:

Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Small tree with shiny foliage. New leaves are reddish. Columnar growth form. Suited to planting near structures and a good background plant for urban yards.

Considerations:

Availability:

Native Nurseries

Propagation:

Seed.

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded---------------------------------Extremely Dry

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Usually moist, occasional inundation -to- Somewhat moist, no flooding

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Lime Rock

Soil pH:

Calcareous

Suitable to Grow In:

10A,10B,11

USDA zones are based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature.

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Ecology

Wildlife:

Birds, Mammals

Provides cover.

Native Habitats:

Hammocks.

Natural Range in Florida:

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Comments:

Ethnobotany:

Wood has been used for tool handles, fence posts, and similar uses. Said to be a remedy for minor ailments such as stomachache, toothache and diarrhea.

General Comments:

Citations:

Gann, G.D., C.J. Abbott, C.G. Stocking, K.N. Hines, and collaborators. (2001+), Natives For Your Neighborhood. ( https://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Gymnluci ). Accessed 2026. The Institute for Regional Conservation. Delray Beach, Florida.


Haehle, Robert G. and Joan Brookwell. (1999). Native Florida Plants. Gulf Publishing Company. Houston, TX.


Wunderlin, R. P., B. F. Hansen, A. R. Franck, and F. B. Essig. (1999+). Atlas of Florida Plants. ( https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/ ). [S. M. Landry and K. N. Campbell (application development), USF Water Institute.] Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa.

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