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ceratiola
Scientific Name: Ceratiola
Family: Empetraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Ceratiola ericoides: Sand Heath, Florida Rosemary
Ceratiola ericoides, commonly known as sand heath, sandhill-rosemary, or Florida rosemary, is a unique shrub species found primarily in the southeastern United States.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is a shrub.
- Cuttings of softwood stem were successfully used for propagation.
Considerations for Children
- This plant is a shrub.
- Cuttings of softwood stem were successfully used for propagation.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Ceratiola ericoides Michaux
- Common Names: Sand heath, sandhill-rosemary, Florida rosemary
- Family: Empetraceae (Crowberry Family) or Ericaceae (as treated by some sources)
- Synonyms: Ceratiola falcatula Gandoger
- Etymology: The genus name Ceratiola is derived from the Greek word "keration," meaning "little horn," alluding to the shape of the style branches.
Distribution and Habitat
- Ceratiola ericoides is endemic to Florida and adjacent states (Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina).
- It is an indicator species of sand ridge and dune habitats, particularly dry scrub environments.
- It thrives in infertile, sandy, dry areas and dunes.
Morphological Characteristics
- Ceratiola ericoides is an evergreen shrub, typically growing to approximately 2 to 2.5 meters in height.
- Older branches have gray bark that exfoliates, revealing reddish interior surfaces.
- Leaves are arranged in nodes of 4 or 6. The petioles are tan, 0.5-1mm and appressed to ascending.
- It is an aromatic shrub with a fragrance resembling rosemary.
Ecological Role
- Ceratiola ericoides exhibits allelopathic effects, releasing compounds like ceratiolin that can interfere with the germination and growth of other plants.
- Unlike most scrub plants, it is killed by fire.
Interactions With Other Organisms
- The Florida Rosemary Grasshopper, Schistocerca ceratiola, is closely associated with this plant and is endemic to Florida.
- Female Lycosa ceratiola spiders have been found near the plant.
Quirky Facts
- Despite its common name, Florida rosemary is not related to the culinary rosemary from the Mediterranean region.
Further Information
- Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service.
- Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Ceratiola ericoides.
- Walter S. Judd, Professor, Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, is an expert on Ceratiola.