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sea torchwood
Scientific Name: Amyris elemifera
Family: Rutaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Sea Torchwood (Amyris elemifera)
Amyris elemifera, commonly known as sea torchwood, smooth torchwood, candlewood, and sea amyris, is a flowering plant belonging to the citrus family, Rutaceae.
Considerations for Pets
- Amyris elemifera is a large shrub or small tree.
- First-year twig surface is glabrous. Second- or third-year twig mottled. Thorns absent or not persistent. Prickles absent or not.
- This plant has high resin content.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Amyris elemifera
- Family: Rutaceae (citrus family)
- Common Names: Sea torchwood, smooth torchwood, candlewood, sea amyris, tea, cuabilla, bois chandelle
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the coastal hammocks of Florida and the Florida Keys.
- Also found in other parts of the Americas.
Ecological Role
- Used in ecological restoration projects.
Morphological Characteristics
- It can be a large shrub or a small tree.
- Crown is compact or dense, not weeping.
- First-year twig surface is glabrous (smooth). Second- or third-year twigs are mottled.
- Thorns and prickles are absent or not persistent.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Serves as a host plant for the giant swallowtail butterfly (Papilio cresphontes).
Landscape Uses
- Suitable as an attractive small specimen tree for coastal locations.
- Useful in buffer plantings.
Further Information
- USF Herbarium Specimen Database
- Discover Life
- Dave's Garden