Damas (Conocarpus Erectus)
Damas, scientifically known as Conocarpus erectus and also called Buttonwood, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree native to coastal areas of the Americas, including the southern United States, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. It typically grows up to 4 meters tall, though many specimens remain around 1 meter, making it suitable for urban landscaping and street planting.
The tree has a dense, rounded crown with dark green, glossy, oval-shaped leaves about 5 cm long, arranged alternately along leathery-textured branches. Damas produces small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers in spring and summer, followed by woody capsule fruits containing a single seed.
Caring for your Damas
Difficulty level: Easy
Light requirement: Full sun
Watering schedule: Moderate; water regularly when young, drought-tolerant once established
Soil type: Sandy, loamy, or salty; well-draining soil preferred
Humidity: Moderate
Fertilization: Once every 2–3 months during growing season
Pruning: Minimal; remove dead or weak branches as needed
Pet friendliness: Non-toxic