Guayacan, Soapbush
Guaiacum angustifolium
Melastomataceae
Description
Guayacan is an unusual evergreen shrub in the Caltrop Family. It has extremely hard wood, and its branches are so short that the leaves seem to be growing from the stem.
The leaves are pinnate and have tightly clusterd groups of 4 to 8 tiny leaflets that grow in pairs. From March to April its numerous fragrant flowers bloom, each are about 1 inch wide and has 5 violet-purple or pink petals. The fruit is yellow and has 1 to 3 shiny red seeds in each.
Guayacan offers good forage for deer and excellent cover for birds and small mammals.
Habitat
Guayacan is found on dry, poor soils of south and west Texas.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Flower Color: Pink
Seed Type: Fruit/Berry
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Hairless/Smooth
Growth Habit: Shrub (Woody)
Leaf Shape
: Pinnately Compound
Season: Evergreen
Distribution
: 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 10 - Trans-Pecos
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Collection: Brush and Weeds
