Buchnera floridana Gand.

Growth Form

Buchnera floridana Gand. is a hairy perennial herb with simple, erect stems that reach 40 to 80 cm in height.

Leaf Arrangement and Shape

Its leaves are arranged oppositely, and range in shape from elliptic to ovate-lanceolate, with margins that are either entire or irregularly serrate.

Leaf Dimensions

Each leaf measures 3 to 7 cm long and 5 to 15 mm wide.

Species Distinguishing Leaf Trait

Unlike the related species Buchnera americana, the leaves of B. floridana are not 3-veined.

Inflorescence and Flower Color

The inflorescence of B. floridana is an open spike, holding bilaterally symmetrical flowers that are either purple or white.

Petal Structure

The flowers have 5 petals that form a tube, which bends abruptly at a right angle.

Stamen Characteristics

There are up to four fertile stamens, each with anthers that contain a single pollen sac.

Seed Capsule Traits

Its seed capsule is ovoid or pyriform in shape, and measures 5 to 6 mm in size.

Geographic Distribution

Ecologically, B. floridana is mostly restricted to the coastal plain of the southeastern United States.

Habitat Types

Its typical habitats include pine savannas, flatwoods, seepage bogs, and sandy roadsides.

Forage Value

This species is considered to have low forage value.

Ecological Role as Host

It acts as a host plant for Brevipalpus phoenicis, a mite that vectors viral diseases including citrus leprosis disease.