Gymnanthes lucida

 

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Crabwood  Gymnanthes lucida (called Ateramnus lucidus by some sources)

Whatever its name, crabwood is still the kind of shrubby tree ( or tree-y shrub) you want to have on hand.  It is a small tree, generally columnar in growth, to 20 feet in height, found in coastal hammocks throughout South Florida, the Keys and the Caribbean.

The color of the new growth is variably refractive, depending on your viewing angle.

In the center of the photo at right, is a trimmed-up crabwood in front of our office.  It is about 15 feet tall, and, with subtle unpretentiousness, makes a nice anchor plant in the design.

 

At center in the photo at right is a crabwood that has been kept untrimmed.  It is about 15' high and 8 feet wide.

  .

Above are two views of the slightly peculiar flower of crabwood. 

The male spike is profusely covered with buds, while the queen, wearing her bi-lobed crown, sits majestically at the top of her stem, awaiting pollinating couriers. 

She is the kind of queen that accepts gifts from admirers and then tells them to get lost.

 

Below, left, crabwoods in 3-gal., about 3' high.  Below, right, in 7-gal., 5'-6' ht.

 

Above, left, in 10-gal.; about 6' high.  Above right, in 20-gal.; about 8' high.

Plant Creations

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Last updated:  01/22/2008