Fustic Tree
Maclura tinctoriafam. Moraceae
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Pl. 6969 — Maclura tinctoria
Maclura tinctoriaMaclura tinctoriaMaclura tinctoriaMaclura tinctoriaMaclura tinctoriaMaclura tinctoriaMaclura tinctoriaMaclura tinctoriaMaclura tinctoriaMaclura tinctoriaMaclura tinctoriaMaclura tinctoriaMaclura tinctoriaMaclura tinctoria
IOverview
Overview
The Fustic Tree, Maclura tinctoria, is a shrub or tree native to regions including Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. Known for its edible fruit, this plant thrives in a variety of habitats from dry to moist conditions and can tolerate full sun. It grows well in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils and is hardy in zones 10-12. Reaching heights up to 20 meters, the Fustic Tree is notable for its adaptability and edible fruit.
Quick answers
What is Fustic Tree?
The Fustic Tree, Maclura tinctoria, is a shrub or tree native to regions including Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Fustic Tree thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but also grows well in moist conditions. This tree, hardy in temperate regions from zones 10-12, can reach heights of up to 20 meters. For propagation, it can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The fruit is edible and can be used for various purposes.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Shrub, Tree
Mature size
20.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Fustic Tree for the first time
8steps
Start with a Fustic Tree as an easy-to-grow shrub or small tree for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Fustic Tree sapling, well-draining soil, and a sunny spot in the garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early summer when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with good drainage. For containers, use a potting mix suitable for trees.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings directly into the garden or a large container if you're growing it indoors.
- 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 exposure, regular watering during dry periods, and occasional pruning to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and remove any dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting sun exposure, and not providing enough space for the tree's growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Fustic Tree (Maclura tinctoria) is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. Typically, it is consumed fresh but may also be dried for later use. SKIP
Other uses:DyeLumbertextilesPioneer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Americas15 regions
native (15)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorGuatemalaGuyanaHaitiHondurasJamaicaNicaraguaParaguay
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northwest, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Cayman Is., Leeward Is., Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Netherlands Antilles, Panamá
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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Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 696903ed-0373-4d01-b6d4-3cf42e056c32
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