Three different Porterweed species, one native, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (Blue Porterweed), and two non-native species, Stachytarpheta miniacea (Red Porterweed) and Stachytarpheta mutabilis (Giant Pink Porterweed). All three of these plants are excellent nectar sources for butterflies and hummingbirds. They vary in size from the native blue porterweed growing to 1-2 feet, the red porterweed 2-3 feet,…
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Senna polyphylla occurs from Puerto Rico to The Virgin Islands. It is a very popular landscape tree in South Florida due to its small weeping form, attaining a height of 6-15′ and a spread of 6-10′ wide. It is also drought tolerant and moderately salt tolerant making it a good tree for xeriscapes. Its small leaves…
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Turnera subulata is a somewhat woody groundcover with unique flowers. They open in the early morning hours and close in the early afternoon. While they are open though, they attract an abundance of honeybees and skipper butterflies. While this plant is native to Central America and northern South America, it grows quite well in South…
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Clematis smilacifolia is a tropical Clematis. The genus name is from the Ancient Greek meaning ‘A climbing plant’. Most of the species of this genus are found throughout the temperate regions of the world. This Clematis is native to India and grows very well in South Florida. Like most vines, it needs support such as…
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Asystasia gangetica is not a true violet, but rather in the family, Acanthaceae. It is native to India, China, and northern Australia. This plant makes an excellent groundcover in a sunny location in South Florida spreading very quickly. Its abundance of purple flowers throughout the year are a great pollen source for honeybees and it…
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