Buttonwood

(Conocarpus erectus)

The Buttonwood is an associate of mangroves. Buttonwood trees flower spring-summer and brown, cone-like fruits follow in September. A tea prepared from the bark is used externally to treat prickly heat and inflamed eyes. Internally the tea is used to treat syphilis and diabetes. The leaves and bark have been used in tanning industry. The hard and heavy wood has been used in marine construction. Buttonwood also makes a high quality charcoal. Pioneers used the wood to make buttons, hence the name Buttonwood.

Information Provided by the Friends of Barefoot Beach Preserve
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