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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Bumelia lanuginosa is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses: Gum Gum

Fruit - usually pickled[161, 177]. Not very tasty according to one report[61] whilst another says that large quantities can cause stomach upsets[149]. The fruit is between 1 - 2cm in diameter[200]. A clear viscid gum is obtained from the cut wood[82]. It also exudes freely from wounds on the trunk and branches[227]. The dried and ground up bark is used like chicle as a chewing gum[61, 177].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Gum Gum Shelterbelt Wood

Wood - heavy, rather soft, not strong, close grained[82, 149]. It weighs about 40lb per cubic foot[227]. Used for tool handles, cabinet making etc[82, 149].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in a warm sunny site in any freely draining moderately fertile soil[200]. Tolerates salt spray[82]. This species is probably hardy in the milder areas of the country[1, 11]. Another report says that plants are cut back by temperatures below about -15°c but that they can regenerate freely from the base[200]. The flowers are an excellent source of honey[274].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - we have no details on this species but would suggest that if ripe seed can be obtained it should be sown straight away in a cold greenhouse. Stored seed can be sown in late winter or early spring in a greenhouse. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona), Mexico (Coahuila de Zaragoza, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Bumelia lycioides	Shittamwood	Tree	8.0	6-9		LMH	N	M	2	0	2
Bumelia tenax	Ironwood, Tough bully	Tree	8.0	8-11		LMH	N	M	2	0	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Bumelia lanuginosa - (Michx.)Pers.