Gymnanthes lucida

Crabwood, Oysterwood

Euphorbiaceae

Also known as Ateramnus lucida

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.
Propagation:	Seed.
Availability:	Native nurseries
Light:	Full Sun,  Part Shade
Moisture Tolerance:	always floodedextremely dry
	(Usually moist, occasional inundation ----- to ----- Somewhat moist, no flooding)
Moisture Tolerance:	Usually moist, occasional inundation ----- to ----- Somewhat moist, no flooding
Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:	Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water.
Salt Spray/ Salty Soil Tolerance:	Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray.
Soil or other substrate:	Humus (organic, upland), Lime rock
Soil pH:	Calcareous

Ecology

Wildlife:	Provides cover.
Insects:
Native Habitats:	Hammocks.

Distribution and Planting Zones

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.