Wild Dilly

manilkara jaimiqui

The Wild Dilly (Manilkara jaimiqui) is an enchanting, slow-growing evergreen tree native to the tropical hammocks and coastal regions of southern Florida and the Caribbean. A member of the Sapotaceae family, it is closely related to the Sapodilla tree, which historically supplied the natural latex used to make chewing gum. This resilient plant is incredibly well-adapted to harsh coastal conditions, featuring a rugged, gnarled growth habit and deep-reaching roots that anchor it against tropical storms. Beyond its tough exterior, the Wild Dilly plays a vital role in its native ecosystem. It produces small, inconspicuous yellowish flowers that give way to round, scurfy brown fruits. These sweet, gummy fruits are a crucial food source for local wildlife, including birds, land crabs, and mammals.

Habitat: Found in coastal hammocks, pine rocklands, and coastal strand environments, typically growing in sandy or alkaline limestone soils.

Appearance

Wild Dilly is characterized by its gnarled trunk with dark, deeply fissured gray bark and thick, leathery, dark green leaves. The leaves are typically clustered tightly at the tips of branches and feature a distinctive notch at the apex. Small, light yellow or brownish-yellow flowers emerge in clusters, followed by round, scruffy-textured brown fruits about 3 to 5 centimeters in diameter that resemble small, dusty potatoes.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilySapotaceaeGenusManilkara

Wild Dilly

Interesting facts

Its edible fruit has a sweet, brown sugar-like flavor, but it contains a high amount of sticky latex when unripe, which can glue your lips together.

The Wild Dilly is a close relative of the Sapodilla tree, which was the original source of chicle used to make chewing gum.

The wood of the Wild Dilly is exceptionally heavy, hard, and strong, historically making it highly sought after for durable construction posts and tool handles.

Special abilities

When injured, the tree secretes a thick, sticky white latex that deters herbivorous insects and seals wounds against fungal infections.

Its thick, leathery leaves and flexible branches allow it to withstand heavy salt spray and high-velocity coastal winds without dehydrating.

The tree's roots can penetrate deep crevices in solid oolitic limestone, securing the plant and absorbing scarce fresh water.

Measurements & details

Length: 300-900 cm
Lifespan: 50-150 years

Diet & Feeding

As an autotrophic plant, the Wild Dilly produces its own organic compounds through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, and soil nutrients.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon dioxide
Water
Soil minerals

Ecological connections

eaten by

White-crowned Pigeon

Patagioenas leucocephala

Feeds on the sweet, fleshy fruits and serves as a major seed disperser across coastal islands.

eaten by

Gopher Tortoise

Gopherus polyphemus

Consumes fallen fruits on the forest floor in coastal sandy and rocky environments.

eaten by

Key Deer

Odocoileus virginianus clavium

Browses on the low-hanging evergreen leaves and fallen fruits in the pine rocklands of the Florida Keys.

Traits

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Also known as

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Wild Dilly?

The easiest way to identify Wild Dilly is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Wild Dilly?

300-900 cm

How long does Wild Dilly live?

50-150 years

What does Wild Dilly eat?

As an autotrophic plant, the Wild Dilly produces its own organic compounds through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, and soil nutrients.

Where is Wild Dilly usually found?

Found in coastal hammocks, pine rocklands, and coastal strand environments, typically growing in sandy or alkaline limestone soils.