Geobalanus oblongifolius (Michaux) Small. Common name: Gopher-apple, Ground-oak. Phenology: May-Jun; Sep-Oct. Habitat: Longleaf pine sandhills, dry pine flatwoods, pine rocklands. Distribution: Se. SC (Jasper County) south to s. FL, west to e. LA (Florida parishes), abundant and ubiquitous in dry sandy habitats in the southern part of its range.
Origin/Endemic status: Endemic
Taxonomy Comments: The two taxa recognized by Small (1933) await additional study. G. pallidus of s. FL pine rocklands and other pine flatwoods in s. and c. peninsular FL is alleged to differ in its white tomentose lower leaf surfaces, pubescent ovary, and larger and more spherical fruits.
Other Comments: A rare upright shrub form (to over 15 dm tall) has been found in Brevard County, FL, suggesting that G. oblongifolius evolved from a taller and more upright ancestor (Ward & Taylor 1999).
Synonymy ⓘ: = Chrysobalanus oblongifolius Michx. — RAB, S13; = Licania michauxii Prance — FNA12, WH3, Prance & Sothers (2003), Prance (1970), Prance (1972); > Geobalanus oblongifolius (Michx.) Small — S, Small (1913b); > Geobalanus pallidus Small — S, Small (1913b). Basionym: Chrysobalanus oblongifolius Michx. 1803
Links to other floras: = Licania michauxii - FNA12
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Heliophily ⓘ: 8
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© Scott Ward | Original Image ⭷
© Alan Cressler: Licania michauxii, near Pygmy Dance Pond, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Panacea Unit, Wakulla County, Florida 1 by Alan Cressler source | Original Image ⭷
© Scott Ward | Original Image ⭷
© Jay Horn source | Original Image ⭷
© Scott Ward | Original Image ⭷
© Jay Horn, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jay Horn source CC-BY | Original Image ⭷
© Scott Ward | Original Image ⭷
© Scott Ward | Original Image ⭷
© Alan Cressler: Licania michauxii, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Wakulla County, Florida 1 by Alan Cressler source | Original Image ⭷
© Bruce A. Sorrie | Original Image ⭷Feedback
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Horticultural Information
No horticultural data found for this taxon.