Geobalanus oblongifolius (Michaux) Small. Gopher-apple, Ground-oak. Phen: May-Jun; Sep-Oct. Hab: Longleaf pine sandhills, dry pine flatwoods, pine rocklands. Dist: 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, K1, K3, WH3, Prance & Sothers (2003), Prance (1970), Prance (1972); > Geobalanus oblongifolius (Michx.) Small – S, Small (1913b); > Geobalanus pallidus Small – S, Small (1913b)

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Heliophily ⓘ: 8