SafePlants

Chrysophyllum oliviforme: The Satinleaf

Chrysophyllum oliviforme, commonly known as Satinleaf, Satin Leaf Tree, or Satin Tree, is a captivating tree celebrated for its beautiful foliage and intriguing history.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant produces small plum-like purple fruit.

Considerations for Children

• The plant produces small plum-like purple fruit.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chrysophyllum oliviforme
• Common Names: Satinleaf, Satin Leaf Tree, Satin Tree, Wild Star, caimitillo, damson plum
• Family: Sapotaceae

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Florida, the Bahamas, the Greater Antilles, and Belize.
• Found in tropical habitats, as exemplified by the Satinleaf Trail in John D. MacArthur Beach State Park.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Medium-sized tree, reaching a mature height of up to 30-40 feet and a spread of 20 feet.
• Oval form.
• Leaves are alternate, simple, stiff, oval to broadly elliptic, and up to 10 cm in length.
• Leaf apices are pointed or rounded.

Additional Notes

• Satinleaf can be finicky to establish in cultivation and may take a couple of attempts. The roots are especially sensitive to transplant shock.
• It is a tropical American timber tree with dark, hard, heavy wood.

Quirky Facts

• Legend has it that the Satinleaf lured the Spanish explorers off their ships in search of gold.
• The leaves shimmer in the wind, with upper sides that shine and undersides displaying a cool copper color.