From Eat the Weeds
and other things, too
by Green Deane
Satinleaf, Olive Plum
Chrysophyllum oliviforme: “Chewy Olives”
Satinleaf, Chrysophyllum oliviforme
“Turn left at the Satinleaf.”
That’s
not an unusual direction in an area where Satinleafs grow, they are
that distinctive. It was also the Satinleaf that lured the Spanish of
Yore off their ships to look for gold. You know the old story: There
was so much gold in the New World even the leaves were covered with it.
Dark
green above, satin brown below, the tree became famous for its looks,
but the fruit of the Satinleaf, also called the Olive Plum, is quite
edible… well… chewable would be the more accurate
description. You chew it for a long time before it feels safe to
swallow. Think of it as gum on a tree.
It used to be a common
tree — especially in south Florida — but one that has
succumbed to development. It’s threatened in the wild but common
enough in the landscape and the state’s been encouraging people
to plant more of the evergreen.
Leaves are satiny copper underneath
Botanically it is Chrysophyllum oliviforme
(kriss-so-FILL-um awl-liv-ih-FOR-mee) which in Greek and Latin means
“gold leaf olive like.” To English speakers calling
the tree the Satinleaf was a natural. The Indians, who used the tree,
had a different view. The Seminoles called it, hilokwa inlokci yaca
kita, the Mikasuki hacalo pi ha, which are phrases that literally means
something like “chewing strangler fig berries” but means
something akin to ‘chewing gum tree.’ The black fruit are
sweet and definitely chewy. Somehow each new generation of kids seems
to learn they are a local source of gum. Actually, they eat the
pulp. spit out the seed, and chew the skin. The Satinleaf is related to
the also edible. C. cainito, called the Star Apple.
Besides
a mastication, the wood is hard but not easy to work. It’s used
for fence posts, rafters and charcoal. Leaf decoctions are used to
treat external cuts and abrasions. The species in the genus contain
saponins, coumarins, alkaloids and glucosides.
Pulp is milky sweet
Green Deane’s “Itemized” Plant Profiles
Identification:
Large shrub, small tree, to 30 feet or more, upright branches,
leaves, alternate, elliptic or oval, pointed, two to six inches
long, leathery, dark and glossy above, coppery satin below. Flowers,
white and small, fruit dark purple oval or oblong, about an inch long,
rubbery, pulp lavender, milky, sweet, one half-inch seed
Time of Year: Spring
Environment: Hammocks, pine lands
Method of Preparation: Ripe fruit eaten raw after much chewing, can be made into a jelly
Disclaimer from Green Deane
Information contained on this website is strictly and
categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with
experts in your area. Foraging should never begin without the guidance
and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website
accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in
this website.
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