Darling Plum

Title

Darling Plum

Authors

Ethan H. Freid

Scientific Name

Reynosia septentrionalis Urb.

Description

Habit

Reynosia septentrionalis grows as a large shrub to medium size tree up to ten meters in height. The trunk can be as wide as 20 centimeters with a red-brown bark that peels off. The leaves are arranged oppositely and are up to four centimeters long with a small stipule at the base of the petiole. The leaf margin is entire and the apex is emarginate

The flowers are arranged in axillary or terminal umbels. The flowers are incomplete; lacking a corolla. The calyx has five unfused sepals that are yellowish green. There are five stamens. The fruit is a drupe up to two centimeters in size that turns dark purple at maturity.

Reynosia septentrionalis occurs on both sand and limestone substrate Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formations (Coppice). It can be found in coastal and interior habitats.

Reynosia septentrionalis is found on all island groups within the Bahamian Archipelago as well as south Florida, and the northern Caribbean region.

Reynosia septentrionalis is used in soothing and strengthening teas and the fruit is edible with sweet tasting pulp.