Chrysophyllum oliviforme aka Damson Plum

Chrysophyllum oliviforme, or satinleaf, belongs to the Sapotaceae family. It grows wild in Mexico, Florida, and the Caribbean. Its native range includes wet tropical regions. In Jamaica, it grows in woods and thickets on limestone. It keeps its leaves all year and grows slowly. Garden trees reach 35–45 feet [10.7–13.7 metres] tall. Their crowns spread 18–25 feet [5.5–7.6 metres] wide. Elsewhere, plants range from shrubs about 10 feet [3 metres] tall to trees reaching 49 feet [15 metres].

The crown has an even, oval shape with drooping branches. Most trees have one trunk and lack thorns. Thin bark flakes into scales and has a reddish-brown hue. The simple, oval leaves grow in an alternate pattern. They have smooth edges and pinnate veins. Their upper faces shine dark green. Dense, rust-colored hairs cover the undersides. Wind turns the leaves, showing both colors at once. The leaves do not change color in fall.

Small white flowers form bells where leaves meet the stems. They grow alone or in small groups throughout the year. Fruit can also form year-round. These fleshy drupes look like small olives. They turn purple or black as they ripen. Each fruit holds one hard seed within sweet, lavender flesh. People eat the fruit raw or cook it into jelly. The skin has a gummy texture and releases milky sap. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards, but this does not establish safety for pets.

Grow satinleaf in full sun or part shade. It favors rich, moist soil that drains well. It tolerates clay, sand, loam, and both acid and alkaline soils. Mulch and regular water help meet its needs. It can also withstand dry spells and some salt spray. UF/IFAS places it in USDA zones 10b–11. Freezing temperatures can cause severe damage. Pruning helps build a strong branch frame.

Satinleaf serves as a shade tree, screen, or lawn specimen. Its roots and fallen fruit seldom cause landscape problems. The heavy, strong wood has uses in building and joinery. The tree resists many pests and diseases. Caterpillars and leaf notchers may chew its leaves. Gall mites can distort them. Useful Tropical Plants reports bird-spread seeds and invasiveness in some areas. UF/IFAS, in contrast, says the fruit does not draw wildlife.