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Overview
Drypetes spp. is a genus of about 200 species of evergreen shrubs and trees in the family Putranjivaceae, distributed across the tropics and subtropics of Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Plants range from understorey shrubs a few metres tall to canopy trees 25 m (82 ft) high, with simple, alternate, leathery leaves that are often unequal at the base and finely toothed. The genus is dioecious, with separate male and female plants; the small greenish flowers lack petals and are clustered along the twigs, drawing little attention. Female trees carry fleshy single-seeded drupes that ripen yellow, orange, or red and are eaten by birds and mammals. The leaves of many species contain glucosinolates, giving crushed foliage a mustard-like smell uncommon among woody plants. Several species yield hard, heavy timber, and D. roxburghii (putranjiva) is grown in South Asia for shade and for its seeds. The genus grows in moist forest, on limestone, and along streams, and most species are slow-growing and frost-tender.
Native Range
Distributed through the tropics and subtropics of Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, including the Caribbean and southern Florida. Plants grow in moist lowland and montane forest, on limestone outcrops, and along streams.Suggested Uses
Larger species are grown as shade and street trees in tropical regions, while shrubby species are used for hedges and screens. The dense evergreen foliage suits clipped formal plantings, and fruiting female plants support birds in wildlife gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height7' - 82'
Width/Spread7' - 40'
Bloom Information
Small, greenish, petalless flowers are borne in clusters along the twigs, mainly in spring and early summer, though tropical species may flower more than once a year. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants. Fleshy drupes ripen yellow to red on female plants over the following months.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade in moist, free-draining soil, and several species tolerate alkaline and limestone ground. Steady moisture suits young plants, while established trees withstand short dry spells. The genus is frost-tender and is grown outdoors only in tropical and warm subtropical climates. Growth is slow, and the dense evergreen canopy responds well to clipping. Both male and female plants are needed for fruit set.Pruning
Light pruning shapes shrubby species and maintains hedges, and is done after the main flush of growth. Dead or crossing branches are removed from tree forms in any season. The dense canopy tolerates regular clipping.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer