West Indian Milkberry
Chiococca alba
Also known as: Pineland Milkberry
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Cayman Is., Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, French Guiana, Galápagos, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexican Pacific Is., Mexico, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Southwest Caribbean, Trinidad-Tobago, Turks-Caicos Is., United States, Venezuelan Antilles, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © plectrudis (iNaturalist #19079316)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rubiaceae
- Genus:
- Chiococca
- Species:
- Chiococca alba
- USDA Symbol:
- CHAL8
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree , Vine
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Amatana Leafroller Moth (Argyrotaenia amatana), Cameraria affinis, Grote's sphinx (Cautethia grotei), Lebeau's silk moth (Rothschildia lebeau), obsoletana leafroller (Choristoneura obsoletana), Phyllonorycter fragilella, Pluto sphinx (Xylophanes pluto), Podiasa chiococcella, spurious sphinx (Cautethia spuria)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Grote's sphinx (Cautethia grotei)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Commonly found in coastal and scrub habitats