James Burghardt
Family
Zygophyllaceae
Botanical Name
BULNESIA arborea
Plant Common Name
Vera Wood
General Description
Touting fine, rich green foliage and unique, radial, yellow flowers through the warmth of summer, vera wood is an exceptionally beautiful tropical tree. Native to Colombia and Venezuela, this slow-growing evergreen can be found inhabiting dry tropical forests. Its reddish brown bark flakes off in a visually appealing way, and the wood is dense and desirable for furniture making.
The fine, compound leaves of vera wood are comprised of eight or nine small, oval leaflets. These are arranged alternately on the stems. When weather conditions are wet and warm, a lovely display of golden yellow flowers is borne in profusion. Each blossom has five spoon-like petals. When pollinated by insects, winged seeds (called samaras) are produced, which turn from light green to tan. Each samara has five keels and one seed.
Grow vera wood in full sun and average, well-drained soil that is not highly alkaline. It will tolerate poor soils and will withstand drought once established. Trees should be protected from tropical storms as they tend to have weak root systems that are easily upturned. Water and fertilize regularly in spring and summer, but allow it to remain dry in winter. Vera wood makes a beautiful specimen shade tree in tropical regions and can even be used for bonsai.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 9
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
25'-50' / 7.6m - 15.2m (40)
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Width
18'-30' / 5.5m - 9.1m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
South America
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow, Gold
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Fruit Color
Green, Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Olive, Dark Green
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Bark Color
White, Sienna, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Corky
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Usage
Feature Plant, Shade Trees, Street Trees, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No