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Satin Leaf
Chrysophyllum oliviforme
(kris-o-FILL-um o-LIV-i-form)
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General:
This attractive,
evergreen tree is widely planted in landscapes. Its mature size
is about 10m (30 ft.) in height. The dark green leaves have
copper colored undersides that are covered with velvet-like
hairs. The generic name Chrysophyllum means “gold leaf”, and the
species name oliviform means that the sweet fruit resembles an olive.
Very sensitive to the cold, Satin Leaf will be seriously injured if the temperature goes below 32 degrees F.
Flowers/Fruit:
The tiny white flowers
have 5 petals, and are borne in clusters in the leaf axils. The dark
purple fruit is a sweet, oval drupe that resembles an olive about 2 cm
(¾ in.) long. It is editable.
Leaves/Stems:
The striking,
bi-colored leaves are alternate, simple, lanceolate and entire, about
7-13 cm. (3-5 in.) long. The upper leaf is smooth and dark green
while below it is covered with velvety, copper colored hairs that form
a sharp contrast in both color and texture.
The thin bark is reddish brown and divided into scaly plates by shallow fissures.
Distribution:
Found in hammocks in southern Florida from the Everglades to the Keys and the West Indies.
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