Damas (Conocarpus Erectus)

The Damas Tree, also known as the Buttonwood (Conocarpus Erectus), is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree native to coastal regions of the Americas, including the southern United States, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. It typically grows up to 4 meters in height, though it often remains around 1 meter in cultivated settings. The tree has a dense, rounded crown with glossy, dark green, oval-shaped leaves about 5 cm long, arranged alternately along the branches.

The Buttonwood produces small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers in spring and summer. Its fruit is a small, woody capsule containing a single seed. The Damas Tree is exceptionally hardy, tolerant of sandy, saline, and urban soils, making it a popular choice for landscaping, street planting, and coastal gardens.

Caring for your Damas

Difficulty level: Easy
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Watering schedule: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil type: Sandy, saline, or well-draining soil
Humidity: Moderate
Fertilization: Once every 2–3 months during growing season
Pruning: Minimal; remove dead or damaged branches as needed
Pet friendliness: Non-toxic