Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Chrysobalanaceae

Genus:

Microdesmia

Species:

Microdesmia rigida

USDA Symbol:

LIRI4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

1500 cm

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun

Bloom Colors:

white

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, butterflies

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Can resprout after fire; fire may help control competing vegetation.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to tropical regions with seasonal rainfall

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) followed by cold stratification for 30-60 days.