Bastard Cedar West Indian elm
Guazuma ulmifoliafam. Moraceae
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Pl. FA60 — Guazuma ulmifolia
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IOverview
Overview
Bastard Cedar West Indian elm (Guazuma ulmifolia) is a tree or shrub native to Central and South America, ranging from Argentina Northeast to Venezuela. Known for its edible fruit and seeds, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light soil types—light, medium, or heavy clay—and prefers full sun exposure. It can grow up to 30 meters tall and is hardy in zones 10-12. The tree's distinctive feature lies in its ability to produce both edible fruit and seeds, making it a valuable resource in its native range.
Quick answers
What is Bastard Cedar West Indian elm?
Bastard Cedar West Indian elm (Guazuma ulmifolia) is a tree or shrub native to Central and South America, ranging from Argentina Northeast to Venezuela. Known for its edible fruit and seeds, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light soil types—light, medium, or heavy clay—and prefers full sun exposure.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bastard Cedar West Indian elm thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12, making it suitable for warmer climates. This versatile plant grows up to 30 meters tall and can be cultivated as a tree or shrub. For propagation, fruits and seeds are the recommended method. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist to support healthy growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
30.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bastard Cedar West Indian elm for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple and low-maintenance approach to growing Bastard Cedar West Indian elm.
- 1
What you'll need
A young sapling, well-draining soil, and a sunny spot in your garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early summer when the weather is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with good drainage. For containers, use a pot at least 1 meter wide.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings directly into the ground or a large container filled with well-draining soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun, regular watering during dry spells, and occasional pruning to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead branches and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting sun exposure, and not providing enough space for the tree's eventual size.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: The Bastard Cedar West Indian elm's fruit and seeds are edible. The fruits can be eaten raw or used in various preparations, while the seeds may be roasted or ground into flour for culinary uses.
Other uses:Animal feed
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Americas16 regions
native (16)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaGuyanaHaitiHondurasJamaicaSurinameVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Venezuelan Antilles, Windward Is., Argentina Northeast, Brazil Northeast, Southwest Caribbean, Brazil North, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Cayman Is., Galápagos, Leeward Is., Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf
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 (Moraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Moraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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