Chittamwood (Sideroxylon lanuginosum, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 122 (1803))

Family: Sapotaceae

Author: Michx.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 122 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sideroxylon

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. U.S.A. to Mexico

Description

Chittamwood is a remarkable plant species scientifically known as Sideroxylon lanuginosum. First documented in 1803 by Michx. in the work Fl. Bor.-Amer., this distinctive plant forms a captivating part of the Sapotaceae family.

Native to the central and southern regions of the United States, extending its reach into Mexico, Chittamwood thrives in a variety of habitats spanning this geographical range. As a versatile plant, it adeptly adapts to different environmental conditions, contributing to its widespread presence.

Characterized by its unique botanical features, Chittamwood showcases lanceolate leaves with a subtle, woolly texture. These leaves provide both visual appeal and functional adaptability, aiding in the plant’s survival and efficiency in photosynthesis across its native regions.

Chittamwood is also known for its hardy nature and resilience, enabling it to withstand diverse climatic conditions. This resilience plays a pivotal role in the ecosystems it inhabits, often contributing to the stability and structure of local plant communities.

Beyond its ecological contributions, Chittamwood holds potential uses in traditional medicine, leveraging the various compounds found within its structure. Its historical and contemporary applications continue to resonate within the cultural practices of communities where the plant frequently occurs.

In summary, Chittamwood, or Sideroxylon lanuginosum, stands as a vibrant and resilient member of the plant kingdom. Its ability to adapt and thrive across a broad geographical area highlights its ecological importance while underscoring the rich botanical diversity within the Sapotaceae family.

Common Names

Eng: chittamwood, false buckthorn, gum bully, gum bumelia, gum-elastic, shittimwood
Spa: coma
En: Chittamwood, False buckthorn, Shittimwood, Gum bumelia, Gum-elastic, Gum bully, Black haw
Zh: 絨毛鐵欖
Es: Coma

Synonyms

• Lyciodes lanuginosum ((Michx.) Kuntze)
• Bumelia lanuginosa subsp. typica (Cronquist)
• Bumelia lanuginosa ((Michx.) Pers.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Texas (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 11, 2016 by EOL − Cullen Hanks (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)

Taken Mar 27, 2015 by EOL − Jim Varnum (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 26, 2020 by Ellie Rieber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2018 by Robert Burk (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 11, 2015 by EOL − andy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 11, 2015 by EOL − andy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 16, 2014 by EOL − andy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 11, 2013 by EOL − Mikael Behrens (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 24, 2014 by EOL − jonhall (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Jul 7, 2014 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 22, 2013 by EOL − Mikael Behrens (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 11, 2013 by EOL − Mikael Behrens (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 31, 2014 by EOL − andy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 24, 2014 by EOL − jonhall (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Jul 9, 2015 by EOL − Ashton Tassin (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Jul 16, 2014 by EOL − andy (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2887069)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:236052-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michx.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth