Alvaradoa Amorphoides

Description

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Alvaradoa Amorphoides (Mexican Alvaradoa) is a small tree to moderate sized tree or shrub. It can reach a height of 35 to 40 feet (12.19 m). In addition, it has an open, upright irregular crown that spreads. Furthermore. the reddish-brown trunk and branches become covered with cork patches and leaf scars.

The bright green evergreen leaves alternate and are pinnately compound. They are 4 to 8 inches (20.32 cm) in length with 15 to 40 oval leaflets. The leaflets have smooth margins and are up to 1 inch (2.54 cm) long. Moreover, its leaves resemble those of leguminous trees. While, green to yellowish white, semi-showy, flowers are borne in long hanging spikes. They are about 3 to 4 inches ( 10 cm) long. Male and female flowers are on different plants with small blooms attracting insects. Also, the light tan dry hairy fruits are ringed with red, each with a single seed, which are wind dispersed. Seeds used for propagation. Bark and wood are used to make medicinal tea.

The plant grows in moist well-drained limestone soils with some organic matter and is hardy once established. Alvaradoa Amorphoides (Mexican Alvaradoa) has attractive pinnate leaves casting light shade, along with colorful flowers and fruits. Alvaradoa has application as a specimen or accent tree in gardens and parks. Yet can also be pruned to tree or shrub form, and makes an excellent hedge. It is desirable in a native plant garden. This tree is native to southernmost Florida hammocks where it is endangered.