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| Category: Tree |
| Family: Araliaceae (Ginsengs) |
| Origin: Central America (North America) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: White |
| Bloomtime: Winter/Spring |
| Synonyms: [Oreopanax nyphaefolius] |
| Height: 12-20 feet |
| Width: 10-15 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Oreopanax capitatus (Picón) - Small tropical evergreen tree with dark bark to 15 to 30 feet tall with many short secondary branches holding in a dense crown large 8 to 10 inch long leathery oval glossy dark green leaves on long petioles and with prominent veins and a pointed tip. The small greenish white flowers appear in thick stalked clusters from winter into spring. Plant in full sun to light shade and water occasionally - once established it is surprisingly drought tolerant but probably not hardy much below 28° F. There are several trees in older gardens in Santa Barbara, both near the coast and in the foothills and has also been noted to be growing near the ocean in San Diego, and it appears to be thriving in all of these conditions. This is an handsome small tree in the garden and is attractive to bees. Its shiny green cut foliage is long lived (up to 30 days) and useful in large flower arrangements. Oreopanax capitatus is wide spread in lowland up areas and mountains up to 6,000 feet from southern Mexico to tropical South America and the West Indies. The name for the genus is from the Greek words 'oreo' meaning "mountain" with the genus name Panax (which means "all healing), signifying that this is a mountain panax. The specific epithet means in dense heads. The typical common name listed is Picón but it is also called Papayillo, Bejuco, Papelillo, Volador and in Belize is called "Three-foot Jack", reportedly as the branches are seldom more than 3 feet long.
The information on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources as well as from observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery's garden and in other gardens that we have observed it in. We also will incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have additional information, particularly if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that might aid others in growing Oreopanax capitatus.
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