There is a native scarlet red morning glory (Ipomoea microdactyla), more commonly called Wild Potato Morning Glory or Man-in-the-Ground. It is endangered in Florida and only grows in the Pine Rockland habitat of Miami-Dade County. It has underground tubers to store energy when it goes dormant during the dry winter season. The flowers attract bees,…
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American Beautyberry (Calicarpa americana) is a Florida native that can grow in shady gardens as well as in full sun. It can attain a height of 6-8 feet in moist well drained soils. A shrub that definitely benefits from mulching. Its tiny pink flowers are produced up and down the branches, giving rise to clusters…
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Lignum vitae (Guaiacum sanctum) is native to the Florida Keys and Miami-Dade County. This native tree is listed as endangered due to habitat loss. Lignum vitae translation is ‘Tree of Life’ for its many medicinal properties. However, it is mainly grown as a beautiful ornamental. While it is slow growing, it is one of the…
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Senna ligustrina (Privet Senna) is a small native tree/shrub rarely exceeding 8 feet tall. It blooms periodically throughout the year with clusters of bright yellow flowers and produces an abundance of viable seed which can be seen germinating underneath. It is also the host plant to several species of Sulphur Butterflies. Richard Lyons Nursery currently…
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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.…
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