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Darling Plum

Scientific Name
Reynosia septentrionalis
Family 
Rhamnaceae
Status
Native
​

Botanical Description

Reynosia septentrionalis, commonly known as Darling Plum, is a small evergreen tree or large shrub typically growing 10-30 feet (3-10 m) tall. It is a common understory to mid-canopy species in Bahamian coppice forests. 

Growth Form 
  • Upright to slightly spreading habit 
  • Dense, rounded crown 
  • Often multi-stemmed in dry forest environments 
Bark 
  • Gray to brown 
  • Smooth when young 
  • Becoming slightly rough or fissured with age 
  • Wood is hard and durable 
Leaves 
  • Simple and oppositely arranged 
  • Oval to elliptic 2-5 inches long 
  • Thick and leathery 
  • Glossy dark green above 
  • Paler beneath 
  • Smooth margins 
  • The firm, shiny leaves are well adapted to dry limestone conditions. 
Flowers 
  • Small and greenish-white 
  • Inconspicuous 
  • Produced in clusters 
  • Bloom seasonally 
Fruit 
  • Small, round drupe 
  • Ripens from green to dark purple or black 
  • Fleshy 
  • Contains a single hard seed 
  • The fruit resembles a tiny plum, giving the plant its common name.

Habitat

Reynosia septentrionalis occurs on both sand and limestone substrate. Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formations (coppice). It can be found in coastal and interior habitats.

Distribution 

Reynosia septentrionalis is found on all island groups within the Lucayan Archipelago as well as south Florida, and the northern Caribbean region.

Ecological Importance

  • Fruits provide food for birds 

  • Contributes to understory and mid-canopy structure

  • Supports biodiversity in coppice ecosystems 

  • Helps stabilize shallow limestone soils 

Cultural Notes

  • Fruit sometimes sampled by children 

  • Wood is dense and strong

  •  Often overlooked but ecologically important 

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