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Little Strongbark Bourreria cassinifolia
Little strongbark is a shrub originating in pinelands of South Florida, the
Keys and the Caribbean. People immediately fall in love with it when they
see it.
Why? It's adorable! It can be used as an accent plant, or as part of low
screening, especially in sunny locations. It's not an overly aggressive
grower, so it can be artfully combined with other sun-loving plants.
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Typical mature size is 7 feet high by 5 feet wide. Responds
well to trimming, and can be shaped by pruning; no hedging allowed. |
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Little strongbark is a superb wildlife attractant. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and an assortment of insects are
irresistibly drawn to the nectar. Most of the steady stream of
visitors are too shy or skittish to pose for photographs, but this one bee
(see photos below) was deeply engrossed in satiating itself, and
took no notice of me. |
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Orange fruits, popular with birds, add an irresistible sensation of
jovial camaraderie. |
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For the best effect, plant them in full/partial sun.
If planted in too much shade, they will creep along the ground, trying
to escape out to the sun. |
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At left, is a long-tailed skipper, happily slurping up some
nectar. What more proof do you need that this is one of those must
have plants? |
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We've got some nice ones in 3-gal., about 30"-36" high
(below left), and in 10-gal., 40"-48" high (below). |
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The photo at right is of Bourreria huanita, which is
a cousin of our little strongbark from Central America.
The photo was sent to us by Dr. Miguel F. Torres, of
Guatemala, who has written a book on the ethnobotany of this species.
This particular specimen was reportedly planted more than 300 hundred years
ago.
Dr. Torres informs us that this is considered to be a
sacred tree. In pre-deodorant days, Aztec
"...princesses
bathed in water perfumed with the white flowers of..."
this tree (now
that you know that, you won't be able to resist doing the same thing with your little strongbark
flowers).
For more information, visit http://www.prensalibre.com/especiales/ME/hermano/arbol.html |
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