Retama

Poitea paucifolia

Native to:
Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Poitea
Species:
Poitea paucifolia
USDA Symbol:
POPA34

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
300 cm
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
pink, purple
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Notes:
As a legume, scarification of the hard seed coat is likely required for germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI