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

Coming Soon!

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

Ecology

Wildlife:

Birds, Mammals

Provides cover.

Native Habitats:

Hammocks.

Natural Range in Florida:

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: