SafePlants

Aletris bracteata - Bracted Colicroot

Aletris bracteata, commonly known as Bracted Colicroot or Bahamian Unicorn Root, is a small flowering plant belonging to the genus Aletris.

Considerations for Pets

• This is a small plant with bract-like leaves.
• The perianths of the flowers have an unusual rough texture.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Aletris bracteata Northrop
• Common Names: Bracted Colicroot, Bahamian Unicorn Root, White Colicroot, White colic-root
• Family: Nartheciaceae (also referenced as Liliaceae)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Status: Accepted
• Synonyms: Aletris aurea (mentioned in relation, although typically identified as Golden Colicroot)

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in the Everglades and the Bahamas.
• Also found in Florida, Georgia, and the southeastern United States.
• Prefers open, often sandy sites, including Marl prairie, South Dade Wetlands, and Miami-Dade County, Florida.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A non-woody plant (forb/herb).
• Adult specimens are small, reaching up to 50 cm in height.
• The plant is evergreen during winter.
• The erect flower stalk is 12-24 inches tall, bearing small, leaf-like bracts.
• Flowers have a scurfy or granuliferous perianth and are white.

Additional Information

• Bracted Colicroot is listed as Endangered-State in some areas.
• It is a native species.

Related Species

• Aletris aurea (Golden Colicroot)
• Aletris farinosa
• Aletris obovata (Southern Colicroot)
• Aletris x tottenii (Totten's Colicroot)

Resources

• USDA PLANTS database
• Discover Life
• Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)