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Native Plant Database

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Scaevola plumieri (L.) Vahl

Gullfeed, Inkberry

Goodeniaceae (Goodenia Family)

USDA Symbol: SCPL

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This stout, succulent shrub ranges from 1-5 ft. in height. The succulent stems are sometimes trailing, forming dense clumps. Glossy, dark-green leaves are thick and fleshy appearing mostly in rosettes at branch tips. White flowers, borne in small clusters among the leaves, are followed by smooth, black fruit.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Jan , Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov , Dec

Distribution

USA: FL , LA , TX
Native Distribution: S. FL coast; also the coasts of Bermuda, West Indies, Yucatan & Baja CA
Native Habitat: Sandy beaches; coastal dunes
USDA Native Status: L48(N), PR(N), VI(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Description: Sandy soil.
Conditions Comments: A hardy seaside plant. The Scaevola species commonly used by the landscape industry is Scaevola frutescens. It is native to Australia and differs from the native variety in that it is larger and has lighter green leaves.

Propagation

Description: Can be grown from seed which germinates in about six weeks. Trailing stems, which have rooted in the sand, can be detaching and transplanted.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

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

Metadata

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

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