A couple of months ago I wrote a short blurb about Red Firespike (odontonema strictum) as it was in full bloom. Well it is still in full bloom. There is nothing significant about that fact, but now its cousin, Purple Firespike (odontonema callistachyum), has joined Red Firespike in full bloom. The two together make a…
Read more
Today’s topic brings me to 3 native Lantana species. Lantana is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the Verbenaceae family (Verbena Family). The first native lantana is Lantana depressa var. depressa (Pineland Lantana). This plant grows in the Pine Rocklands habitat which has been greatly reduced in area over the years due to development.…
Read more
Mandarin Hat or China Hat Plant (Holmskioldia sanguinea) is well named due to the flower shape. It does in fact resemble a hat from the far east. This Asian shrub flowers most heavily between October and May. This is ideal for South Florida since this shrub is an excellent hummingbird nectar source and that…
Read more
It’s that time of year again when the red firespike is blooming and the ruby throated hummingbird has migrated from the north searching for nectar in its flowers. Some of the hummingbirds are content staying in South Florida for the winter, while others make a quick stop before continuing on to points farther south. At…
Read more
Skyblue Clustervine (Jacquemontia pentanthos) is a native to South Florida occurring in Collier, Monroe, Dade, and Broward counties. It is a member of the Morning Glory Family (Convolvulaceae). It is a perennial woody vine with very tiny leaves and flowers. While the flowers are small, they are bright blue with white centers, born in abundance…
Read more