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Narrowleaf Carolina scalystem
Elytraria caroliniensis var. angustifolia
Acanthaceae
 

Copyright by: James Johnson, 2014
In habitat, Everglades National Park, Florida
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General Landscape Uses: Primarily recommended for natural landscapes and habitat restorations.

Ecological Restoration Notes: Somewhat common in pine rocklands and marl prairies in Miami-Dade County; less abundant elsewhere.

Availability: Grown by enthusiasts.

Description: Small herbaceus wildflower.

Dimensions: Basal rosette about 2-4 inches in height; to 6-12 inches when in flower. Taller than broad when in flower.

Growth Rate: Moderate.

Range: Endemic to South Florida from Miami-Dade County and the Monroe County mainland north to Martin and Lee counties.

Plant Map Map of select IRC data from peninsular Florida.

 Map of ZIP codes with habitat recommendations from the Monroe County Keys north to Martin and Charlotte counties.

Habitats: Pinelands and marl prairies.

Soils: Moist, well-drained sandy or limestone soils, without humus.

Nutritional Requirements: Low; it grows in nutrient poor soils.

Salt Water Tolerance: Low; does not tolerate long-term flooding by salt or brackish water.

Salt Wind Tolerance: Low; salt wind may burn the leaves.

Drought Tolerance: Moderate; generally requires moist soils, but tolerant of short periods of drought once established.

Light Requirements: Full sun.

Flower Color: Whitish.

Flower Characteristics: Semi-showy.

Flowering Season: Spring-fall.

Fruit: Inconspicuous capsule, explosively dehiscent.


Copyright by: James Johnson, 2014
In habitat, Everglades National Park, Florida
Expand

Copyright by: James Johnson, 2014
In habitat, Everglades National Park, Florida

Copyright by: Keith A. Bradley

Copyright by: Roger L. Hammer

Copyright by: Shirley Denton


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