Narrowleaf Carolina scalystem
Elytraria caroliniensis var. angustifolia
Acanthaceae


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.
Height:
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.
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.
Wildlife and Ecology:
Horticultural Notes:
Comments:


James Johnson, 2014
In habitat, Everglades National Park, Florida
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James Johnson, 2014
In habitat, Everglades National Park, Florida
Roger L. Hammer
Shirley Denton
Keith A. Bradley