Sideroxylon foetidissimum subsp. gaumeri (Pittier) T.D.Penn.

• Authority

  Pennington, Terence D. 1990. Sapotaceae. Fl. Neotrop. Monogr. 52: 1-750. (Published by NYBG Press)

• Family

  Sapotaceae

• Scientific Name

  Sideroxylon foetidissimum subsp. gaumeri (Pittier) T.D.Penn.

• Synonyms

  Sideroxylon gaumeri Pittier, Mastichodendron foetidissimum subsp. gaumeri (Pittier) Cronquist, Mastichodendron foetidissimum var. gaumeri (Pittier) L.O.Williams, Mastichodendron gaumeri (Pittier) Lundell, Mastichodendron tikalense Lundell

• Description

  Subspecies Description - Seed scar 5-8 mm long, lanceolate. Distribution. The Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico, Guatemala and Belize). It is an important component of seasonal semi-deciduous forest over limestone, in Quintana Roo co-dominant with Manilkara zapota, Vitex gaumeri and Brosimum alicastrum (Tellez & Sousa, 1983: 167). Altitudinal range sea level to 300 metres. A tree to 40 m high and 1.5 m diam., with pale grey very scaly bark, exfoliating in large irregular pieces. The slash exudes white latex. The yellowish white flowers have a strong foetid smell and the fruit ripens yellowish. The immature pericarp contains copious latex. Flowering Apr to Jul, fruit maturing Nov to Mar.

• Discussion

  The tree is frequently protected for its edible fruit (Tellez & Sousa, 1983: 167).

• Common Names

  caracolillo, rosewood, subul, tempiote, tempixte, white candlewood

• Distribution

  Mexico North America| Campeche Mexico North America| Quintana Roo Mexico North America| Yucatán Mexico North America| Guatemala Central America| Petén Guatemala Central America| Belize Central America| Cayo Belize Central America| Orange Walk Belize Central America| Toledo Belize Central America|