Golden Spoon
Byrsonima crassifoliafam. Rubiaceae
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Pl. 7E30 — Byrsonima crassifolia
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IOverview
Overview
Golden Spoon, scientifically known as Byrsonima crassifolia, is a tree native to Central and South America, including countries like Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. This plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various environments. It grows well in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils and is hardy in zones 9-12. Reaching heights of up to 12 meters, Golden Spoon is valued for its edible fruit, which makes it a useful addition to landscapes and gardens.
Quick answers
What is Golden Spoon?
Golden Spoon, scientifically known as Byrsonima crassifolia, is a tree native to Central and South America, including countries like Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. This plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various environments.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Golden Spoon thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but will also grow in moist conditions. The plant is hardy in zones 9-12 and can reach a height of 12 meters. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. Harvest the fruit for edible consumption.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-12
Mature size
12.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Golden Spoon for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, sunny spot and basic care for Golden Spoon.
- 1
What you'll need
Golden Spoon plant or seeds, potting soil, container, gloves.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix. Ensure your container has drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant from a nursery pot to a larger one, or sow seeds directly in the ground after last frost.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly but keep soil moist. Place in partial shade until established.
- 6
Ongoing care
Place in full sun once established. Water when dry and fertilize lightly twice a year.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to shape the plant or remove dead branches as needed. Harvest fruit when ripe, usually yellow.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting pruning, and using too much fertilizer.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Oil, Drink
Other uses:Fire starterDyeFiberFire retardantLumberInkoilSoil reclamationTannin
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Americas16 regions
native (16)BoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaGuyanaHaitiHondurasNicaraguaParaguayPeruPuerto RicoSuriname
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Netherlands Antilles, Panamá, Southwest Caribbean
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Rubiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Rubiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 7e300e8d-30d6-4a58-b21a-7384f50003a5
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