Native Plants
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Tetrazygia bicolor
Tetrazygia bicolor (Mill.) Cogn.
Florida Clover Ash, Spanish Leather, Florida Tetrazygia, West Indian Lilac
Melastomataceae (Melastome Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: TEBI
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), HI (I)
Florida state-listed Threatened species.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub , Tree
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Arrangement: Opposite
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Lanceolate
Leaf Venation: Parallel
Leaf Margin: Entire
Leaf Texture: Leathery
Inflorescence: Panicle
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Usually 10 to 15 feet, may reach 30 feet in height.
Leaf: Glossy, dark green adaxially, silvery abaxially, 4 to 8 inches long.
Fruit: Fruit is brownish purple when mature.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Flowers are white, sometimes pale pink, with showy yellow stamens.
Distribution
USA: FLNative Distribution: South Florida and the West Indies.
Native Habitat: Rock pinelands, scrublands and hammocks.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Drought Tolerance: Medium , High
Heat Tolerant: yes
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Excellent, coarse-textured accent or hedge plant.Use Wildlife: Birds and small mammals eat the fruit.
Use Food: The fruit is edible and tasty.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FAC | FACU |
Additional resources
USDA: Find Tetrazygia bicolor in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Tetrazygia bicolor in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Tetrazygia bicolor
Metadata
Record Modified: 2016-07-08Research By: Joseph A. Marcus