Location specific values:
Array
(
    [lat] => 32.906700
    [lng] => -80.072200
    [elevation] => 13.2878
    [rainfall] => 1270.1301
    [cold_temperature] => 2.9
    [temperature] => 32.887
    [user_eto] => 1238.0458989
)
Plant specific values:
Array
(
    [rain_min_irrigation] => 1208
    [eto_corrected] => 1461
    [eto_adjusted_rain_min (rain_min_irrigation / eto_corrected)] => 0.82683094
)
Sucupira (Bowdichia virgilioides) | Easyscape Plant Profile

Sucupira

(Bowdichia virgilioides)

Sucupira (Bowdichia virgilioides)

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Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Climate Requirements for North Charleston, South Carolina

This Plant Your Site Plant Suitability for Your Location
Precipitation 18" - 135" 50" Aquatic Aquatic
High Temp. 75°F - 98°F 91°F Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. Excellent
Low Temp. 45°F - 73°F 37°F Your winter temperatures may be too cold for this plant Too cold
This plant should grow very well at your location but requires an aquatic environment.

Summary

Bowdichia virgilioides, commonly known as Sucupira or Alcornoque, is an evergreen tree native to the Cerrado and Caatinga biomes of South America, particularly in Brazil, as well as regions of Bolivia and Argentina. It is found in savannas and dry woodland areas. This species grows at a moderate rate to a typical height of 50-80 feet (15-24 meters) and can develop a dense, rounded canopy. The leaves are compound with dark green leaflets that contrast with the rough, gray bark. Sucupira produces clusters of fragrant white flowers that bloom in the spring, followed by brown seed pods.

Sucupira is valued for its hard, durable wood and is often used in reforestation projects and urban landscaping due to its tolerance of poor soils and drought conditions. It is also planted for its ornamental white flowers and as a shade tree in larger landscapes. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and thrives in medium to fast-draining loam or clay soils. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from medium amounts of water during the growing season. There are no widely recognized cultivars in the horticultural trade, but its wood is used in local carpentry and for medicinal purposes in its native range. Gardeners should be aware that the tree can produce aggressive roots and should be planted with care near structures or pavement.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 50-80 feet
  • Width: 20-30 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to the Cerrado and Caatinga biomes, typically found in savannas and dry woodland areas

Other Names

Common Names: Sucupira, Cutieira, Alcornoque Sabanero, Cornoco, Omonoes, Sucupira preta

Scientific Names: Bowdichia virgilioides, Bowdichia brevipes, Bowdichia densiflora, Bowdichia ferruginea, Bowdichia floribunda, Bowdichia kuhlmannii, Bowdichia major, Bowdichia major var. fruticosa, Bowdichia parvifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Bowdichia virgilioides