Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

dull-leaf wild-coffee, shortleaf wild coffee

Synonym(s):

Psychotria sulzneri

Genus species:

Psychotria tenuifolia

Family:

Rubiaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

shrub

Size:

3-4 ft

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

white

Fruit Color:

red

Phenology:

Evergreen. Blooms and fruits year round except during cold or drought.

Noted For:

Showy Fruits, Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Tallish groundcover in mesic (moist) areas. Can be planted in groupings in shady areas. Despite the name, the leaves are pretty, almost silky or velvety in appearance.

Considerations:

Availability:

Seed, Friends

Propagation:

Seed.

Light:

Part Sun, Shade

Moisture Tolerance:

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

Coming Soon!

Usually moist, occasional inundation ---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

Soil pH:

Acidic

Suitable to Grow In:

9A,9B,10A,10B,11

Ecology

Wildlife:

Birds

Attracts bees and butterflies.

Dispersed by birds.

Native Habitats:

Dry mesic to mesic and hydric hammock, second bottom, shell mounds, floodplains.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:

Interesting silky-looking foliage.