Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

black torch

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Erithalis fruticosa

Family:

Rubiaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

shrub

Size:

4-8 ft tall by 4-6 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

white

Fruit Color:

red,black

Phenology:

Evergreen. Blooms and fruits year round.

Noted For:

Showy Flowers, Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Good as a buffer plant. Could be used as an informal hedge.

Considerations:

Availability:

Native Nurseries, Seed

Propagation:

Seed.

Light:

Full Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Somewhat moist, no flooding ---to--- Not wet but not extremely dry

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray.

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Lime Rock

Soil pH:

Calcareous (high pH)

Suitable to Grow In:

10A,10B,11

Ecology

Wildlife:

Mammals

Wildlife food and shelter.

Native Habitats:

Coastal scrub, hammocks, pine rocklands, coastal flats.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:

This plant is considered to be Threatened in Florida. Please preserve in the landscape and acquire new plants in an environmentally sound manner (seed or nursery-grown plants).