Plumbago zeylanica Linnaeus. Common name: Doctorbush, Hierba de Alacrán, Pitillo. Phenology: Jan-Dec. Habitat: Coastal hammocks (FL), tropical forests, thickets, and palm groves (TX). Distribution: FL, TX, and AZ south through Mexico and Central America to South America; West Indies; Africa and tropical Asia.
Origin/Endemic status: Native
Taxonomy Comments: P. scandens has been recognized as a neotropical species and P. zeylanica as a paleotropical species. Smith in FNA (2005) stated that they appear to be indistinguishable, but Acevedo & Strong (2012) retained them at species rank. Additional study is needed.
Synonymy ⓘ: = Fl4, FNA5, K4, Meso4.1, WH3; > Plumbago scandens L. — Bah, S, S13, Tx, WI. Basionym: Plumbago zeylanica L. 1753
Links to other floras: = Plumbago zeylanica - FNA5
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Wetland Indicator Status:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: UPL
- Great Plains: FAC
Heliophily ⓘ: 7
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© Alan Cressler: Plumbago zeylanica, Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, South Kona District, Hawaii County, Hawaii 1 by Alan Cressler source | Original Image ⭷
© Jay Horn source | Original Image ⭷
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