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Native Plant Database

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Psychotria nervosa Sw.

Seminole balsamo, Wild coffee

Rubiaceae (Madder Family)

Synonyms: Psychotria undata

USDA Symbol: PSNE

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Bright red berries contrast well with the dark green leaves of this evergreen shrub. Seminole balsamo or wild coffee usually grows to 15 ft. and generally has an attractive shape. Leaves are showy because of the wavy, textured look created by conspicuous veins. Inconspicuous flowers and the berries occur in upper leaf axils.

Wild Coffee is a member of the madder family (family Rubiaceae) which includes herbs, shrubs, or trees, with flowers borne in a branched cluster. There are about 500 genera and 6,000 species that occur primarily in tropical regions, where woody representatives are most frequent. Madder (a dye), coffee, and quinine are obtained from the family. Gardenias are popular ornamentals in mild climates.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Fruit:
Size Class: 12-36 ft.

Distribution

USA: FL
Native Distribution: S. FL
Native Habitat: Shell ridge hammocks
USDA Native Status: L48(N), PR(N), VI(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Description: Well-drained soil.
Conditions Comments: This versatile plant will grow in full sun but the plant will be more compact and leaves will show yellowing.

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Native Plant Nursery - Sanibel, FL

Bibliography

Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Psychotria nervosa in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Psychotria nervosa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Psychotria nervosa

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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