Symplocos Jacquin. Common name: Sweetleaf.
A genus of about 300 species, trees and shrubs, of tropical and warm temperate America and Asia. Symplocos seems likely to be split in the future, based on the diversity currently included. Fritsch et al. (2008) placed our native species in subgenus Symplocos, section Barberina, and the Asian introduction Symplocos paniculata in the monotypic subgenus Palura.
ID notes: The foliage of S. tinctoria has a sweet taste, and an odor and taste similar to green apples. Sometimes the leaves are glossy and appear subcoriaceous, somewhat resembling Kalmia latifolia.
References: Almeda & Fritsch (2009) In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (2009); Fritsch et al. (2008); Harbison (1931); Hardin (1966); Nooteboom In Kubitzki et al. (2004); Wang et al. (2004). Show full citations.
Hover over a shape, letter, icon, or arrow on the map for definition or see the legend. Data for arrows not developed for genera and families which may have species only occurring outside the flora area.
© Keith Bradley | Symplocos tinctoria | Original Image ⭷
© Andrew Conboy, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andrew Conboy | Symplocos paniculata source | Original Image ⭷
© Gary P. Fleming | Symplocos tinctoria
© Bruce A. Sorrie | Symplocos tinctoria | Original Image ⭷Feedback
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