Sea Torchwood

Amyris elemifera

Native to:
Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Is., Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Trinidad-Tobago, Turks-Caicos Is., United States, Venezuela, Venezuelan Antilles, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rutaceae
Genus:
Amyris
Species:
Amyris elemifera
USDA Symbol:
AMEL

Growth Characteristics

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

Wildlife Benefits

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

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Agonopterix amyrisella, Eucatagma amyrisella, Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes), 🛑Schaus' Swallowtail (Papilio aristodemus)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

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