Mastic

Scientific name: Sideroxylon foetidissimum

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 54.99″ N, 64° 49′ 51.01″ W

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Observations:

Phenological Markers – Sideroxylon foetidissimum (Mastic)

Family: Sapotaceae
Common Names: False Mastic, Yellow Mastic
Local Names: Sometimes called “Yellow Bully” in parts of the Caribbean

🌳 Description:
A medium to large evergreen tree native to the Caribbean, Central America, and southern Florida. It typically reaches 10–20 meters in height. The bark is gray and furrowed, and the wood is dense, hard, and yellowish. Leaves are alternate, leathery, and dark green with smooth edges and a blunt tip.

🌿 Leafing:

  • Leaf Type: Simple, alternate, leathery
  • Phenology Notes: Evergreen, but may show seasonal flushes of new growth (bronzy-red or pinkish when young)
  • Young Leaves: Emerge coppery-red to pink and mature to glossy green

🌸 Flowering:

  • Blooming Season: Spring to early summer (March–June, varies by region)
  • Flowers: Small, inconspicuous, yellowish to cream, fragrant but with an unpleasant scent (hence the name foetidissimum)
  • Pollinators: Likely attracts small insects; some reports suggest moths or flies

🍈 Fruiting:

  • Fruit Type: Fleshy drupe, green when immature, ripening to yellow or orange
  • Fruit Season: Late summer to fall (July–October)
  • Notes: Fruit is edible but rarely consumed; attracts birds and other wildlife

📍Habitat & Range:

  • Native to: Florida Keys, West Indies, Central America
  • Grows in dry limestone forests, coastal woodlands, and upland areas
  • Found on: St. Croix (naturally occurring or introduced); occasionally used in landscaping

🌱 Ecological Importance:

  • Supports native fauna with fruit and shelter
  • Salt-tolerant and drought-resistant, contributing to xeric coastal forest resilience
  • Wood historically used for building and tool handles

📷 Notes for Photography:

  • Capture:
    • Coppery flush of new leaves
    • Bark texture and mature tree silhouette
    • Flower clusters (may require close-up due to small size)
    • Ripening fruit stages (green → yellow/orange)
  • Best seasons:
    • Spring for flowers
    • Late summer for fruit
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