Long Key Locustberry

Byrsonima lucida

Native to:
Bahamas, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Leeward Is., Puerto Rico, Turks-Caicos Is., United States, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Malpighiaceae
Genus:
Byrsonima
Species:
Byrsonima lucida
USDA Symbol:
BYLU

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
180 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
white, pink
Evergreen Shrub:
Yes
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Florida duskywing (Ephyriades brunneus)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies, bees, birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from root crown after fire. Component of fire-maintained pine rockland ecosystem with periodic burns every 3-7 years.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to coastal areas with sandy soils