Conradina grandiflora Small

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

Conradina grandiflora Small is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, with common names largeflower false rosemary and large-flowered rosemary.

Endemic Distribution

This species is endemic to Florida, United States, where it occurs exclusively on the Atlantic Coastal Ridge. Its native range spans across Brevard, Broward, Dade, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, St. Lucie, and Volusia Counties in Florida.

Plant Height

This aromatic shrub reaches a maximum height of around 1.5 meters, though some individuals can grow as tall as 2 meters.

Branch and Twig Characteristics

Its branches terminate in twigs covered in pale hairs.

Leaf Morphology

The leaves are hairy, glandular, needle-like, and grow up to 1.5 centimeters long.

Flower Calyx Structure

Each flower has a hairy calyx of pointed sepals with a maroon tinge.

Flower Corolla Structure

The flower corolla is approximately 2 centimeters long, with a funnel-shaped throat and a hairy, lipped mouth.

Flower Coloration

It is lavender in color, marked with darker lavender spots.

Flower Traits and Flowering Period

This species produces the largest flowers of any member of the genus Conradina, and it can flower year-round.

Soil and Geomorphic Habitat

Conradina grandiflora grows on dunes and other landforms with deep, sandy soils, most often near the coast.

Primary Habitat Type

Its typical habitat is Florida scrub, and it is common in remaining intact remnants of this scrub habitat.

Fire Adaptation

It is well-adapted to a regime of frequent fires.

Light Requirement

It cannot tolerate shade, and requires periodic fire to maintain an open, sunny habitat.

Associated Plant Species

It is commonly associated with sand pine (Pinus clausa), Lyonia, Ilex, Ceratiola, Polygonella, Opuntia, and various species of scrub oak.

Known Occurrences

There are approximately 64 known occurrences of this plant.

Primary Threats

The main threat to the species is loss of Florida scrub habitat, which is being cleared for housing development, commercial development, and the establishment of citrus groves.

Conservation Status

It holds a threatened status in the state of Florida, but is not federally listed as threatened or endangered.