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Suriana maritima: The Bay Cedar
Suriana maritima, commonly known as bay cedar, is a pantropical shrub or small tree found along seashores.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is a shrub or small tree, and in some environments grows densely.
- It has densely clustered leaves.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Suriana maritima L.
- Common Names: Bay Cedar, Tassel Plant
- Family: Surianaceae
- Kingdom: Plantae
Suriana is a monotypic genus, meaning it contains only one species: Suriana maritima.
Synonyms include: Suriana maritima Linnaeus, 1753
Distribution and Habitat
- Suriana maritima has a pantropical distribution.
- It is endemic to south Florida, the Caribbean, Central America, and the Bahamas.
- It is commonly found growing in thickets.
- The plant grows "ad littora maris" that is, at the shore of the sea.
Morphological Characteristics
- Suriana maritima grows as a medium-sized shrub up to 3 meters in height.
- It can also grow as a small tree.
- The leaves are narrow and densely clustered.
- Branches are pubescent, with partially capitate glandular setae.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Suriana maritima serves as a host plant for the Martial Scrub Hairstreak (Strymon martialis) and the Mallow Scrub Hairstreak (Strymon istapa).
- It also acts as a nectar plant for these and many other butterflies.
Further Information
- Additional information can be found in the Flora of North America.
- The Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) also provides information on Suriana.