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Amphitecna latifolia: Black Calabash1

Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson 2

Introduction

This upright, densely foliated, evergreen small tree can reach a height of 30 feet with a variable spread. The large, seven-inch-long, dark green, glossy leaves make it ideal for a small-scale shade or specimen tree, or it can be allowed to grow into a tall screen. Throughout the year, two-inch-long, purplish-white, non-showy tubular flowers are produced on short stalks. These blooms are followed by smooth, shiny green, four-inch-long fruits which have a thin, hard shell and contain numerous 1/2-inch-long, edible black seeds in white pulp. The furrowed tree bark is grey and rough.

Figure 1. Middle-aged Amphitecna latifolia: Black Calabash
Figure 1.  Middle-aged Amphitecna latifolia: Black Calabash
Credit: Ed Gilman

General Information

Scientific name: Amphitecna latifolia
Pronunciation: am-fih-TECK-nuh lat-ih-FOLE-ee-uh
Common name(s): Black Calabash
Family: Bignoniaceae
USDA hardiness zones: 10B through 11 (Fig. 2)
Origin: not native to North America
Invasive potential: little invasive potential
Uses: deck or patio; screen; shade; specimen; parking lot island < 100 sq. ft.; parking lot island 100–200 sq. ft.; parking lot island > 200 sq. ft.; tree lawn 3–4 feet wide; tree lawn 4–6 feet wide; tree lawn > 6 ft. wide; highway median
Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the tree

Figure 2. Range
Figure 2.  Range

Description

Height: 25 to 30 feet
Spread: 15 to 25 feet
Crown uniformity: irregular
Crown shape: oval, upright/erect
Crown density: dense
Growth rate: moderate
Texture: medium

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: alternate (Fig. 3)
Leaf type: simple
Leaf margin: entire
Leaf shape: oblong, elliptic (oval)
Leaf venation: pinnate, brachidodrome
Leaf type and persistence: evergreen, broadleaf evergreen
Leaf blade length: 4 to 8 inches
Leaf color: green
Fall color: no color change
Fall characteristic: not showy

Figure 3. Foliage
Figure 3.  Foliage

Flower

Flower color: purple
Flower characteristics: not showy

Fruit

Fruit shape: round
Fruit length: 3 to 6 inches
Fruit covering: fleshy
Fruit color: green
Fruit characteristics: does not attract wildlife; not showy; fruit/leaves a litter problem

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: branches don't droop; showy; typically one trunk; thorns
Pruning requirement: needed for strong structure
Breakage: susceptible to breakage
Current year twig color: gray
Current year twig thickness: thin, medium
Wood specific gravity: unknown

Culture

Light requirement: full sun, partial sun or partial shade
Soil tolerances: clay; sand; loam; alkaline; acidic; well-drained
Drought tolerance: high
Aerosol salt tolerance: high

Other

Roots: not a problem
Winter interest: no
Outstanding tree: no
Ozone sensitivity: unknown
Verticillium wilt susceptibility: unknown
Pest resistance: free of serious pests and diseases

Use and Management

Growing in full sun or partial shade on a wide range of soils, black calabash has only marginal salt-tolerance and is very susceptible to wind damage. Top-heavy trees are known to blow over in high winds. Be sure to untangle circling or kinked roots before planting to help prevent this from occurring. Proper branch thinning can also help prevent this from occurring.

Propagation is by seed, cuttings, or air-layerings.

Pests and Diseases

No pests or diseases are of major concern.

Footnotes

1. This document is ENH238, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date November 1993. Revised December 2006. Reviewed February 2014. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. Edward F. Gilman, professor, Environmental Horticulture Department; Dennis G. Watson, former associate professor, Agricultural Engineering Department, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Publication #ENH238

Release Date:May 6, 2014

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Part of Southern Trees Fact Sheets

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