There are two sets of abbreviations.

• Abbreviations concerned with the growth forms and horticultural characteristics appear in the data tables associated with each species. A key to these is listed below.

• Abbreviations concerning references are three letters. For each listing in the bibliography we have assigned a three-letter code, usually the first three letters of the author's last name. These codes are listed in parenthesis at the ends of the bibliographic citations and follow the alphabetical order of the entries. Most internet sources and one-time references are listed directly on the individual species pages. The abbreviation "PBCC" means "author's personal observation", not necessarily at the college campus.

Cultural conditions, Problems, and Flowering seasons

Abbreviations can be modified with + or – signs, for example, DR+ = demands very dry conditions. An exclamation point indicates rare extremes, for example, DR! might refer to a desert cactus. MO! might refer to a swamp species. DR- means "somewhat drought tolerant." Dashes indicate a range, for example ME-DR = prefers medium moisture to dry conditions.

AC = acid soil
AK = prefers alkaline conditions (and see AT)
AP = aphids
AT = alkaline tolerant (and see AK)
AY = all year
CS = sold sensitive
CT = cold tolerant
DR = prefers dry conditions
DT = drought tolerant
ESP = early spring
ESU = early summer
FEPPC indicates Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, followed by a category I or II
   (I = severe invasive exotic, II = less severe)
FT = flood tolerant
IR = requires supplementary irrigation in South Florida
LY = lethal yellowing
MB = mealybugs
ME = prefers medium moisture
MI = mites
MO = prefers continuously moist conditions, see also IR
MY = most of year
ND = nutrient deficiencies
NE = nematodes
PS = partial shade
RS = prefers rich soil
SC = scale insects
SH = prefers shade
SI = sucking insects
ST = salt tolerant
SU = prefers full sun
WD = requires well drained soil (true of most plants, indicated for emphasis)

WE = prefers wet conditions
WI = wide soil tolerances
WM = warm months
WP = must be protected from wind