Florida Keys Blackbead

Pithecellobium keyense is a Florida native occurring as far north as southern Martin County and going south through Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties. It is a small multi-trunk tree reaching 12-15′. The flowers are small pinkish white puff balls that are somewhat fragrant attracting bees and butterflies. The seed pods are green pealike legumes, turning brown before splitting open revealing shiny black seeds attached to a bright red aril. A very attractive seed which gives this plant its common name.

Richard Lyons Nursery currently has this plant in stock.