Zamia integrifolia (Coontie) is a Florida native cycad occurring in 2/3 of the state including Broward, Miami-Dade, and the Florida Keys. In the last 5-10 years, this cycad has been grown in cultivation in large quantities and commonly sold by nurseries to the homeowner to plant as a host plant to attract the beautiful Atala…
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Clusia rosea in recent years has been mostly planted as a hedge plant to replace all of the Ficus benjamina hedges in South Florida that were decimated with white flies and thrips. However, as a stand-alone specimen tree in the landscape, as it naturally grows, it is far more spectacular. With its prop roots hanging…
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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…
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Two Florida natives that are categorized as small trees or large shrubs which can be grown in full sun or shaded locations. Marlberry (Ardisia escallonioides), can attain a height of 10-16′ and is found throughout central and southern Florida. It has clusters of white flowers and blooms heaviest in spring and fall, followed by clusters…
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Picramnia pentandra is an endangered native which only occurs in Miami-Dade County in Florida. However, it also occurs in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. It is a small tree, 12-15′ tall and a very narrow crown. The tree is dioecious, meaning there are male and female trees. The flowers of both the male and…
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