Gum Bumelia, Sideroxylon lanuginosum, is a slow to moderate growing large shrub or small tree. It is very drought and cold tolerant and will grow in bright shade to full sun. The creme colored flowers are fragrant and occur in spring and summer. It attracts a variety of pollinators and birds use the edible dark fruit. The foliage is richly dark green and leathery. The underside of the leaves vary from silver to rust colored from fine hairs and this feature adds to the rich and ornamental appearance of this plant. The branches are very spiny and should be considered when placing the plant in the landscape. It can be a great security barrier.