Erithalis fruticosa

Black Torch

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.
Propagation:	Seed.
Availability:	Native nurseries, Seed
Light:	Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance:	always floodedextremely dry
	(Somewhat moist, no flooding ----- to ----- Not wet but not extremely dry)
Moisture Tolerance:	Somewhat moist, no flooding ----- to ----- Not wet but not extremely dry
Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:	Tolerant of inundation with brackish water
Salt Spray/ Salty Soil Tolerance:	Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray. Exposure to salt spray would be uncommon (major storms).
Soil or other substrate:	Lime rock, Sand
Soil pH:	Calcareous (high pH)

Ecology

Wildlife:	Wildlife food and shelter.
Insects:
Native Habitats:	Coastal scrub, hammocks, pine rocklands, coastal flats.

Distribution and Planting Zones

Comments

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).