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

Nomenclature

Common Name:

white indigo berry

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Randia aculeata

Family:

Rubiaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

shrub

Size:

3-10 ft tall by 3-6 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

white

Fruit Color:

white

Phenology:

Evergreen. Flowers year round. Life span estimated to be <50 yrs (Nelson 2003).

Noted For:

Showy Fruits, Thorns, Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Specimen plant. Shrub border or foundation plant. Will tolerate shearing. Valued for its shiny foliage and dense branching.

Considerations:

Often produces spines at the bases of leaves.

Availability:

Native Nurseries

Propagation:

Can be grown from de-pulped seed and cuttings. Scatter seeds over soil and barely cover. Place in light shade. Transplant into liners after first true leaves emerge. (IRC)

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

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

Coming Soon!

Usually moist, occasional inundation ---to--- Very long very dry periods

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:

Soil pH:

Suitable to Grow In:

10A,10B,11

Ecology

Wildlife:

Butterflies, Caterpillars, Birds

Nectar plant for Schaus' swallowtail ( Heraclides aristodemus ) and other butterflies.





Larval host plant for tantalus sphinx ( Aellopus tantalus ) moths.

Fruits attract birds.





Also used for cover.

Native Habitats:

Edges of coastal hammocks, pine rocklands, rocky flats.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:

Fruit is a white berry with indigo pulp.