Paradise Tree
Simarouba glauca
An under-used South Florida native, Paradise Tree is found naturally in coastal hammocks throughout South Florida, the Keys, the Caribbean and Tropical America. Relatively fast growing, it is a common component of the upper canopy, effortlessly reaching heights of greater than 40 feet. The Paradise Tree can make a beautiful shade or street tree in the right areas. Many have been planted in the South Middle River area of Fort Lauderdale and seem to be doing fine. The Paradise Tree seems to thrive in a sandy soil.The Paradise Tree has a smooth reddish brown and gray bark and compound leaves that emerge colored red and gold. The tree has an open canopy that grows into a rounded top as it gets older. It does get a fruit that is about 1” long and ripens to a black color. Most times the fruit is eaten by birds before it gets a chance to ripen fully. In the past, the Paradise Tree has been a source of resins, oils and pharmaceutical compounds. Some studies have shown that the oil from the seed can be used as an edible oil and possibly a source of bio-diesel (http://www.jatrophabiodiesel.org/simarouba/simarouba.php).
Growth Rate: Medium
Drought Tolerance: High
Salt Tolerance: High
For more information:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st590
http://www.plantcreations.com/Simarouba%20glauca.htm
Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Environmental Services
Office - (954) 828-5785 Fax - (954) 828-4745
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