Collected Tree ID Help

[Waldo Street Pottery]

I collected this tree early this spring in near a river in South GA with my teacher, Rodney Clemons and my uncle Buddy. We weren't and still aren't sure what it is, any help with ID is appreciated. The tree stands close to 5' tall and is hollow with 3-4 holes in the trunk as it twists upward. Thanks for looking...

 

[Vin]

Kind of looks like a Myrtle Oak. But, if your talking about "the" Rodney Clemons and he doesn't know then it's not likely to be so easy to identify. Good luck.

 

[johng]

no idea...Ken is really good with identification...maybe he will see this and chime in.

 

[jk_lewis]

1. Was this the only one of its kind (species) in the area?

2. Was the collection location near any current of former building sites?

I ask because a quick scan of a couple of the Eastern NA tree books don't find a leaf the looks like this, so it could be an exotic???????

 

[Vance Wood]

It could be feral from an exotic. Exoctics tend to reproduce, or try and if conditions are right they will invade an environment. If the seeds are spread by squirrels, or birds from some landscape planting it is very possible the tree is indeed a feral wilding from maybe twenty-miles away.

 

[Poink88]

This almost reminds me of Guyabano or Soursop tree but it is a tropical and can't possibly live where you are. It could be a relative worth pursuing as a lead.

 

[Waldo Street Pottery]

Thanks for your replies. The tree was found in untouched woods, just up from a slough and we collected at least 1 or maybe 2 more of the species, one of which didn't make it. There have been no buildings or structures near there anytime. Self-proclaimed plant nerd Russel Cooker saw my pics and made a quick distinction of Black Titi Buckwheat Tree Searching for info and images seems like that could be it. This winter will tell if it is or isn't if it keeps it's leaves and blooms white or pink flowers in spring.

Thanks again all...

 

[Vin]

Thanks for your replies. The tree was found in untouched woods, just up from a slough and we collected at least 1 or maybe 2 more of the species, one of which didn't make it. There have been no buildings or structures near there anytime. Self-proclaimed plant nerd Russel Cooker saw my pics and made a quick distinction of Black Titi Buckwheat Tree Searching for info and images seems like that could be it. This winter will tell if it is or isn't if it keeps it's leaves and blooms white or pink flowers in spring.

Thanks again all...

Oh yeah, completely forgot about the Black Titi Buckwheat tree.. Leave it Russell to pull that one out of his bag of tricks.

 

[Dav4]

Thanks for your replies. The tree was found in untouched woods, just up from a slough and we collected at least 1 or maybe 2 more of the species, one of which didn't make it. There have been no buildings or structures near there anytime. Self-proclaimed plant nerd Russel Cooker saw my pics and made a quick distinction of Black Titi Buckwheat Tree Searching for info and images seems like that could be it. This winter will tell if it is or isn't if it keeps it's leaves and blooms white or pink flowers in spring.

Thanks again all...

Right. If it is the Black Titi, you're going to need to protect it a fair bit this winter, I suppose. Nice trunk...

 

[Steve Kudela]

Hey Eli, I could be wrong, but I don't think that it is titi.The leaves on mine are more rounded than that. Also the newest stems have ridges on them. Upon consulting Eastern Forests,it appears to be myrtle dahoon, ilex myrtifolia. hope this helps. Give me a shout next time you're down south....SK

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I was going to guess one of the Tupelo, Nyssa genus. There are 3 species or more in the GA, FL area. But I can't tell. The bark is too smooth to be persimmon at that age, by 7 to 10 years persimmon start getting an alligator checked bark.

So Russel's guess is probably better than mine. He does know his plants.