Gymnocladus diocius (L.) K. Koch
Classification Kingdom Plantae – PlantsPlantae Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plantsTracheobionta Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plantsSpermatophyta Division Magnoliophyta – Flowering plantsMagnoliophyta Class Magnoliopsida – DicotyledonsMagnoliopsida Subclass RosidaeRosidae Order FabalesFabales Family Fabaceae – Pea familyFabaceae Genus Gymnocladus Lam. – coffeetreeGymnocladus Lam. Species Gymnocladus dioicus (L.) K. Koch – Kentucky coffeetreeGymnocladus dioicus (L.) K. Koch
Shape, Form, and Type The Kentucky coffeetree is a broadleaf deciduous tree and grows up to 70 ft. with a width of 50 ft. It is fast-growing when young and then becomes moderate to slow- growing as it ages. The shape is oval and irregular. The trunks may be 10 to 12 ft tall and has a high irregular crown. Figure 1
Bark The bark is gray or brown and deeply furrowed. Figure 2
Twig The Kentucky Coffeetree has stout, branchless twigs and have huge leaf scars with one or two small lateral buds that are barely visible just above the leaf scars. A terminal bud is absent from the ends of its twigs. Figure 3
Leaf The leaf is alternate on stem and is 12 to 36 in long. It’s bipinnately compound with 40 to 60 smooth- margined, abruptly pointed leaflets.. Figure 4
Bud A terminal is absent in the bud. Laterals are small, pubescent and sunken into the twig. Figure 5
Flower The floral petals are small. The male flower is thicker than the female one. The female flowers occur on female trees and may be up to a foot in length, while the male flowers on male trees are often shorter but found in greater abundance. Figure 6
Fruit The fruit is a reddish brown to dark brown leathery pod. Figure 7
Habitat and Range Northeastern and central U.S. It lives in deep, moist alkaline soil. Figure 8
Uses Woodworkers sometimes use the heavy, strong wood in cabinetwork, for fence posts, and in construction. Also, people frequently plant the tree as an ornamental.
References Retrieved 6/24/10. =GYDI