Bahama Strongbark

Bourreria succulenta Jacq.

bore-ERR-ee-ah suck-you-LENTA-ah

Boraginaceae

Explanation of name:  Generic name for German apothecary Johann Ambrosius Beurer (1716-1754)..  Succulenta means succulent

Natural range:  Caribbean, southernmost Florida (Rocklands, Keys)

Recognition: Large shrub or small tree, the hat-shaped flowers white and fragrant; fruits orange

Landscape uses:  Native slow-growing droopy shrub or small tree with attractive white flower and orange fruits.  Attracts bee pollinators and butterflies, and the showy fruits feed birds.  Probably prefers alkaline soil, but grows in pinewoods soil in native plant garden at Palm Beach State College. Palm Beach County the northern limit for cultivation.  Propagates from cleaned seed, germinating in 1-2 months (Internet sources as below).

Internet sources: http://www.plantcreations.com/bourreria_succulenta.htm

http://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Boursucc

http://meadowbeautynursery.com/trees/Bahama_strongbark.html

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=BOSU2