Common Name: Carrotwood

Scientific Name: Cupaniopsis anacardioides

Family: Sapindaceae

Identification

Habit: The Carrotwood can grow up to 40 feet and have a spread of 30 feet and grow 12 to 24 inches per year ². It is described as a tree with a low canopy and evergreen foliage.

Figure 1. The overall habit of a Carrotwood tree⁷

Leaves: Leaves are a dark green color with a glossy appearance and a leathery texture. They are even pinnately and compound and the leaves are at a length of 4 inches and at a width of 3 inches with long oval leaflets or oblong leaflets. On each compound, there are about 4-12 leaflets. The sides of the leaves are smooth with the tips being slightly rounded.³

Figure 2. Close up of a Carrotwood leaf⁹

Twigs and Bark: Carrotwood has gray outer bark that has a rather smooth texture. The inner bark layer that is orange. This tree is typically has a single trunk. Twigs are thin and a brownish-gray color.³

Figure 3. Close up image of Carrotwood twigs¹¹

Figure 4. Image showing both the outer and inner layers of bark⁸

Flowers and Fruits: Flowers bloom in winter and have a white color and the tree is monoecious. They are in branched clusters measuring up to 14 inches and have five petals and 6-8 stamens. The fruit grows in the summer and has an orange/yellow capsule that can be between a quarter of an inch to half an inch in size and grows in clusters.³

Figure 5. Close up image the Carrotwood’s flowers¹⁰

Figure 6. Close up image of the Carrotwood’s fruit.⁴

Where it’s from

Native range: Australia, Irian Jaya (Indonesia), and Papua New Guinea

Ecological notes: Carrotwood can pose an ecological threat, especially to coastal ecosystems. Carrotwood is an invasive species, causing other native species of plants to die out, When the native species are no longer there, this affects the coastal ecosystems since they rely on natural erosion control provided by their native species of plants (like mangroves) which Carrotwood cannot provide.⁶ The brightly colored fruit is attractive to birds, so the main dispersal method is through this. They are both pollinated by bees in their native range and in Florida (the most common location for Carrotwoods to grow outside of their native range).

What we use it for

Carrotwood is used for aesthetic reasons because the fruit and tree wood doesn’t provide any use and it doesn’t create excessive litter. It is described as an undemanding plant to take care of and is relatively easy to raise for those reasons.

References

1. Carroll, J. (2018, April 4). Carrotwood Tree Information: Tips On Carrotwood Tree Care In Landscapes. Retrieved February 12, 2020, from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/carrotwood/carrotwood-tree-information.htm
2. Carrotwood. (2012, October 12). Retrieved February 12, 2020, from https://www.fuf.net/tree/carrotwood/
3. Cupaniopsis anacardioides. (2018). Retrieved April 3, 2020, from http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/cupaniopsis-anacardioides/
4. Deane, G. (n.d.). Carrotwood, Tuckeroo. photograph. Retrieved from http://www.eattheweeds.com/carrotwood-tuckeroo/ 
5. Hauser, S. (2007). Carrotwood (Cupaniopsis anacardioides). photograph. Retrieved from https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-carrotwood-cupaniopsis-anacardioides 
6. Lockhart, C. (2005, May 20). Fact Sheet: Carrotwood. Retrieved February 12, 2020, from https://www.invasive.org/weedcd/pdfs/wgw/carrotwood.pdf
7. Murray, A. (n.d.). Carrotwood. photograph. Retrieved from http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/cupaniopsis-anacardioides/ 
8. Normans, George, & Sortomme. (n.d.). Cupaniopsis anacardioides / Carrot Wood. photograph. Retrieved from http://www.plantmaster.com/share/eplant.php?plantnum=189
9. Ritter, M., Mark, W., & Reimer, J. (n.d.). Cupaniopsis anacardioides - leaves-close-up . photograph. Retrieved from https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/cupaniopsis-anacardioides
10. Ritter, M., Mark, W., & Reimer, J. (n.d.). Cupaniopsis anacardioides - flowers-close-up. Photograph.
11. Starr, F., & Starr, K. (2018). 5285064. photograph. Retrieved from https://www.invasive.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=5285064 
12. Tree Detail. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2020, from https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/cupaniopsis-anacardioides

Biographer

Bianca Sandoval ‘22, BIOL 238: Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, Spring 2020