Bastard Redwood: A Caribbean Native Tree for Tropical Gardens
If you’re gardening in the tropics and looking for a native tree that offers year-round interest, meet the bastard redwood (Chrysophyllum argenteum). Don’t let the quirky common name fool you – this Caribbean native is actually a member of the sapote family, not a redwood at all! This lesser-known gem deserves more attention from tropical gardeners seeking authentic native plants.
Where Does Bastard Redwood Come From?
Bastard redwood is native to the Caribbean, specifically Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a true native species in these regions, it plays an important role in local ecosystems and represents the authentic plant heritage of these tropical islands.
What Makes Bastard Redwood Special?
This perennial tree brings several attractive features to the landscape:
- Distinctive flowers: Conspicuous yellow blooms that appear year-round
- Colorful fruit: Eye-catching blue fruits that persist on the tree
- Evergreen foliage: Coarse-textured green leaves provide year-round structure
- Manageable size: Reaches about 15 feet at maturity (up to 25 feet in ideal conditions)
- Single trunk form: Develops a classic tree silhouette with a single crown
Garden Design and Landscape Role
Bastard redwood works well as a small to medium-sized shade tree in tropical landscapes. Its compact mature size makes it suitable for residential gardens where you want the benefits of a native tree without overwhelming the space. The year-round flowering and fruiting cycle means this tree provides consistent visual interest throughout the seasons.
This tree is particularly well-suited for:
- Native plant gardens in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
- Tropical residential landscapes
- Areas with wetland characteristics (it’s classified as facultative wetland)
- Coastal or near-coastal locations in its native range
Growing Conditions and Care
Bastard redwood has some specific requirements that reflect its Caribbean origins:
Climate needs: This tree requires a truly tropical climate with no frost. It needs a minimum temperature of 40°F and at least 365 frost-free days per year, making it suitable only for USDA zones 10-11.
Soil preferences: It adapts well to coarse-textured soils (think sandy) and medium-textured soils, but struggles in heavy clay or fine-textured soils. Medium fertility levels are adequate – you don’t need super-rich soil.
Water needs: As a facultative wetland plant, bastard redwood usually grows in wetlands but can adapt to drier conditions. It appreciates consistent moisture but can handle some variation.
Planting and Propagation
Growing bastard redwood from seed is your best bet, as this species doesn’t propagate well from cuttings or other methods. The good news? Seeds are available year-round since the tree fruits continuously, and the seeds persist on the plant, making collection easier when you find a mature tree.
Plant spacing should allow for the tree’s mature spread – typically 320-640 trees per acre in natural settings, which translates to giving each tree plenty of room (at least 15-20 feet from other large plants).
Should You Plant Bastard Redwood?
If you’re gardening in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, bastard redwood offers excellent value as a native species that supports local ecosystems while providing ornamental interest. However, this tree isn’t suitable for mainland U.S. gardens due to its strict tropical requirements.
For gardeners in appropriate climates, the main challenges will be:
- Finding plants or seeds (this isn’t a common nursery plant)
- Meeting its specific soil and climate needs
- Being patient with establishment (like most trees, it takes time to mature)
The rewards include supporting native biodiversity, enjoying year-round blooms and fruits, and growing a truly authentic piece of Caribbean flora. If you’re committed to native gardening in tropical regions, bastard redwood deserves a spot on your wish list – just be prepared to do some searching to find it!
