Tallow Wood

(Ximenia americana)

Tallow Wood (Ximenia americana)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Ximenia americana, commonly known as Tallow Wood or Hog Plum, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to a variety of habitats including dry forests, savannahs, and coastal scrublands in the tropics of Africa, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia. It typically grows to a height of 2m to 7m (6.5 feet to 23 feet) with a trunk diameter of less than 10 cm (4 in). The bark ranges from dark brown to pale gray, and the plant may take on a bushy or semiscandent form. The fragrant flowers are small, measuring 5 to 10 mm (0.2 to 0.4 in) long, and can be white, yellow-green, or pink, blooming on branched inflorescences. The fruit is an edible, juicy, plum-like orange with an acid-sweet flavor and an aromatic almond undertone.

Tallow Wood is valued for its drought resistance and adaptability to poor and dry soils, including loamy and clay types. It has a moderate growth rate of about 0.5 m (1.6 ft) per year. The species can tolerate mild flooding for short periods, as well as mild salinity in soil and from salt spray. In cultivation, it is used for its decorative flowers and foliage, as well as for hedges and borders when properly maintained. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires medium to low amounts of water, with medium to fast-draining soils. The plant’s ability to grow in challenging conditions makes it suitable for urban planting and xeriscaping.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
  • Height: 15-20 feet
  • Width: 15-20 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Cream
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Border Plant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to dry forests, savannahs, and coastal scrublands in the tropics of Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Hog Plum , Tallowwood , Tallownut , False Sandalwood , Yellow Plum , Sea Lemon , Pi’ut , Yellow-Plum , Rukam Laut , Talgnöt

Scientific Names: Ximenia americana , Ximenia americana var. americana , Ximenia americana var. argentinensis , Ximenia elliptica , Ximenia americana var. microphylla , Ximenia gabonensis , Ximenia russeliana , Ximenia ×inermis , Ximenia aculeata , Ximenia laurina

GBIF Accepted Name: Ximenia americana L.