Guazuma ulmifolia, commonly known as West Indian Elm or Bastard Cedar, is a deciduous to semi-deciduous tree native to tropical dry forests, secondary forests, and disturbed areas in the Caribbean, South America, Central America, and Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) in cultivation, though it can reach up to 98 feet (30 meters) in its natural habitat. The tree has a straight trunk with a dense, spreading crown and rough, gray-brown bark. The leaves are elm-like, and the small, yellowish-green flowers are not particularly showy, blooming intermittently throughout the year. It produces a fruit that is a small, round capsule covered in bristles.

West Indian Elm is appreciated for its rapid growth and adaptability to a range of soil types, including those with poor fertility. It is often used for reforestation projects, as a shade tree in coffee and cacao plantations, and for its wood, which is used in carpentry and to make charcoal. The leaves and bark have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade, requires moderate water, and tolerates drought once established. However, it can be susceptible to pests like the Guazuma leaf beetle. Gardeners should be cautious as it can become invasive outside its native range due to its prolific seed production and rapid growth.CC BY-SA 4.0