Satinleaf

Chrysophyllum oliviforme L.

cry-so-FILL-um  olive-ah-FORM-ee

Sapotaceae

Explanation of name: The generic name means golden-leaved. Oliviforme refers to the olive-shaped fruits.

Natural range: South Florida. Hammocks, pinelands (WU1)

Recognition: A native small tree or shrub, sometimes branching near the base with characteristic foliage having a felt of golden-brown hairs on the undersides

Landscape uses (modified from PB Post Garden Guru article by G. Rogers):

Related to Mastic, Satinleaf is a smallish tree usually growing up to about 40 feet tall or occasionally larger. The trees tend to be open and airy or medium-dense, often presenting intriguing, symmetrical silhouettes. The limbs are often horizontal to droopy, and the bark is attractively reddish-brown. The “oh my” feature is the satiny copper coloration of the bottomsides of the leaves fluttering in the breeze. The small flowers morph into plumlike fruits. These are squishy-sticky on sidewalks. Satinleaf can be stubborn to establish. Place them in sun or partial shade, either as specimen trees or in mixed, naturalistic plantings.  They’re tolerant of diverse conditions, and drought-tolerant but not freeze-friendly.