Identifiable Characteristics

History of the Black Gum Tree

The Black Gum tree, also reffered to as the black tupelo or sourgum tree, is commonly found in the forests of North America. Aritst and naturalist Mark Catesby is credited for discovering the tree, as he was the first person to officially illustrate and record data on this species on a voyage in the 1700s. This being said, Nyssa sylvatica is native to North America. The longest living Black Gum tree lived to be 700 years old. 

Endangerment and Risks

 The Black Gum tree is not threatened, endangered, or rare. These trees are fairly common in North America and can be located in forests and suburban neighborhoods. Diseases and pests are a minor issue for the Black Gum tree, but a disease known as "black spot" is the most destructive. Black spot is a type of fungus, Mycosphaerella fijiensis, whose spores are commonly spread through water droplets. When tree leaves are contaminated with this fungus, black and purple spots will decorate the leaves. This can create holes in critical part of the leaves, which will ultimately deprive them of getting nutrients. Unfortunately, this fungal infection is extremely common in a variety of tree species. 

In addition, the type of soil can determine the overall health of the tree. If the Black Gum tree is planted in dry soils with high pH values, it could impede growth. Instead, the Black Gum tree should be planted in acidic, moist-soiled environments. 

Infection and malnutrition will hinder a tree's health and development, but the most detrimental threat to trees is humanity. Black Gum trees are valuable to society because they have "hardwood." Hardwood is used by humans to craft furniture, weapons, and lay foundations in houses for construction. Because of this, the wood is cultivated by humans. Also, humans pose a threat to entire ecosystems because of transportation and networking that can pave the way for invasive pests and diseases to infect North American forests. 

 Growth and Reproduction

 Nyssa slavitica is a polygamo diocious species. This means that the tree uses female and male anatomy to reproduce, and has bisexual flowers in correspondence to each sex. The male trees, although they produce flowers, do not produce fruit. The flowers on the tree provide rich nectar and pollen to pollinators. Additionally, fruit is important for the reproduction of trees because it encourages the spread of speeds. A variety of pollinators can help the fertilization process: insects, birds, and wind.

Much like the pollination process, different organisms within an ecosystem also benefit the trees by dispersing their seeds. By one of these animals or insects ingesting the fruit of the tree, the fertilized seeds are passed through them and laid throughout the terrain. Seeds are ideal for reproduction because they have a protective shell, and are tolerable to a variety of conditions. The Black Gum tree is abundant in North America because of its system of reproduction. These trees start out as seedlings and can grow to great heights!

Environmental Benefits

Black Gum trees are very beneficial to their environments. The flowers and fruit that grows on the trees provide food and nutrients to pollinators and other animals. For instance, rodents and birds will ingest the fruit as a food source, while honey bees will utilize their pollen. In addition, Black Gum trees can provide shelter to many different organisms, which protects them from harsh environmental conditions and predators. Every animal in an ecosystem relies on harmonious relationships with one another for survival. If the Black Gum trees were taken out of their forests, it would damage their ecosystems. 

Value to Humans

As previously mentioned, the Black Gum tree's wood is considered "hardwood." Hardwood is extremely valuable to humans because it is used in a variety of ways. Some of its uses include: construction, flooring, weaponry, furniture, paneling, musical instruments, baseball bats, and much more! Black Gum trees are often cultivated for their lumber in farms, and contribute to society in all kinds of ways.