Pithecellobium keyense explained

Pithecellobium keyense, commonly called Florida Keys blackbead', or Florida Key apes-earring, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family (Fabaceae).

Distribution and habitat

It is native to The Bahamas, Belize, Cuba, Mexico (in the states of Quintana Roo and Yucatán), and the U.S. state of Florida.^[1] It typically grows over sand and limestone substrates, often near coastal areas.^{[2] [3]} It is a common species throughout much of its range.^{[2] [3]}

Description

Pithecellobium keyense is a shrub or small tree. It has pinnately compound leaves, with 2-4 leaflets. The leaves are evergreen and leathery in texture. Flowers are produced in heads, and range in color from white to pink. Its fruits are a long coiled bean.^[2]

Notes and References

1. Book: Grandtner, M.M. . 2005 . Elsevier's Dictionary of Trees: Volume 1: North America . Elsevier Science . 671 .
2. http://www.levypreserve.org/Plant-Listings/Pithecellobium-keyense Pithecellobium keyense
3. https://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Pithkeye Florida Keys blackbead