Diagnostic Characteristics
The diagnostic characters are the fruit; a dull black, obovoid berry 8-10 mm long and the sparse pubescence that distinguishes it from the densely pubescent SIDEROXYLON LANUGINOSUM, which typically occurs on dryer sites than Sideroxylon thornei (J. Allison, pers. comm.).
Habitat
Sideroxylon thornei occurs in hydric hammocks and woods bordering cypress ponds and creeks where the soil is normally saturated for long periods after heavy rains or where there is some standing surface water during wet seasons (Godfrey 1988, J. Allison, pers. comm.). The overstory of these communities can include Quercus laurifolia, Q. michauxii, Ulmus americana, Acer rubrum, and Liquidambar styraciflua. Shrub layer species include Myrica cerifera, Persea palustris, Cornus amomum, and Serenoa repens.
Ecology
Flowering occurs in May and June followed by fruiting in July and August (FNAI 1990). Fruit set is thought to be poor but the reasons for this are not known (K. Lutz pers. comm.). The fruits are small berries and it is likely that they are consumed and dispersed by birds and small mammals. Leaf fall in this deciduous species occurs in November and new leaves flush in March or April.
Fairly intense pruning of individual plants has been reported at one occurrence in Georgia (K. Lutz, pers. comm.). It is possible that deer browsing plays a role in limiting the growth and occurrence of this species.