Geobalanus oblongifolius (Michx.) Small

Gopher Apple; Ground Oak

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Gopher Apple is a native shrub in the Coco-Plum family (Chrysobalanaceae). It is native to the southern third of Alabama. Gopher Apple occurs in sand hills, scrub oak woods, xeric Longleaf pine woods, on dunes, and on roadside banks. It is a woody shrub that is extensively colonial from stout underground stems. Stems are from 6 inches to 1 foot in height. Leaves are alternate, oblong to spatulate in outline, with entire or undulate margins. The leaves are thick with raised reticulate veins. The upper leaf surface is glabrous and shiny, the lower surface is dull and either glabrous or pubescent. Flowers are produced in a terminal panicle of cymes. The flower stalks and calyx are densely pubescent. Flowers are radially symmetrical and have five sepals and five white petals. The fruit is a large white drupe. The fruit of Gopher Apple are consumed by Gopher Tortoises and other wildlife. They are also edible for humans, and have a slightly sweet pulp. Gopher Apple is occasionally available from wildflower nurseries. It works well as a low ground cover, especially in dry, nutrient poor soils. Gopher Apple can also be grown from seed.--A. Diamond

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Native

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