Maclura tinctoria aka Old Fustic

Maclura tinctoria, or fustic tree, belongs to the mulberry family, Moraceae. Its native range runs from Mexico through tropical America. It grows in regions with a dry season. Habitats include moist woods, dry thickets, and lowland forests. In Brazil, it also grows in forests returning after disturbance. Useful Tropical Plants reports its conservation status as Least Concern. Timber harvest may still cause local losses that need further study.

This spiny tree sheds its leaves and forms a broad crown. It sometimes stays shrub-sized. Garden references give a height near 66 feet [20 metres]. Broader accounts describe trees reaching 49–98 feet [15–30 metres]. The stated garden spread is about 49 feet [15 metres]. Its straight trunk may form buttresses at the base. Trunks often measure 1–2 feet [0.3–0.6 metres] across. Some reach about 3.3 feet [1 metre] in diameter. The oval leaves have toothed edges. Wounds release yellow latex from all parts of the plant.

Male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Both sexes must be present for seed production. The fruit has juicy, sweet flesh that people eat raw. Each fruit measures about 0.07 feet [0.02 metres] across. The evidence gives no flowering season. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. This does not establish safety for pets or every plant part.

Grow fustic in full sun, with good soil drainage. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It also tolerates mildly acid through mildly alkaline conditions. Moist soil suits it, though established growing requirements include dry soil too. Young plants grow at a moderate pace. Plants For A Future gives USDA zones 10–12. Fresh seed can be sown in a partly shaded nursery bed. Germination is low, with seedlings emerging in 10–20 days. Cuttings from partly mature wood offer another means of propagation.

People grow this tree for ornament, timber, food, and dye. Its role as a pioneer suits woodland planting projects. The hard, heavy wood has strength and lasting value. Its dye gives cloth yellow-brown or khaki shades. Mixing it with other dyes yields further colours, including black. The bark has traditional uses as an astringent and worm treatment. Large doses act as a purgative. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases.