Bumelia berteroi Balb. ex Griseb.
Common Name: Florida Boxwood
Florida boxwood is a fairly fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree growing up to 9 metres tall, though often much smaller[
]. The bole can be up to 25cm in diameter[
The tree produces a valuable hard wood, but this is seldom available due to the generally small size of the plants. It is often grown as a hedge and is said to be cultivated in Cuba as a medicinal plant (roots)[
Northern S. America - Venezuela, through the Caribbean to Florida.
Thickets and open woodlands on arid, limestone soils at elevations of 15 - 720 metres in Jamaica[
|Other Uses Rating||
|Cultivation Status||Cultivated, Wild
Succeeds in full sun and partial shade[
]. Succeeds in most soils, including saline soils, so long as they are well-drained[
]. Established plants are very drought tolerant[
Plants are very tolerant of trimming, and can be shaped to form a hedge[
The roots are used medicinally in Cuba[
A superior hedge plant, it is also used in soil reclamation schemes[
The heartwood is a bright, clear yellow; the sapwood, which is in a thick band, is rather lighter coloured[
]. The wood is close-grained, hard and heavy[
]. It is used in boxes and for carving when it becomes available[
]. The wood is sometimes used as a substitute for boxwood (Buxus spp)[
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