FNPS Plant Database

Erithalis fruticosa

black torch

PHOTOS COMING SOON!

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

USDA zones are based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature.



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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).

Citations:

Haehle, Robert G. and Joan Brookwell.  1999.  Native Florida Plants.  Gulf Publishing Company.  Houston, TX.



Wunderlin, R. P., B. F. Hansen, A. R. Franck, and F. B. Essig. 2021. Atlas of Florida Plants  (https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/ ).  Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa.

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