Houstonia procumbens (J.F. Gmel.) Standl - Innocence
Family - Rubiaceae
Stems:
N/A
Leaves:
N/A
Inflorescence:
Flowers:
Flowering - February - April.
Habitat - Sandhills, dunes, flatwoods, hammocks, beach dunes.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This little species can be found in the southern counties of Alabama. The plant can be identified by its creeping stems and white flowers. The margins of the rounded leaves are ciliolate.
The genus name Houstonia is given in honor of Dr. William Houston (1695 - 1733). Houston was an English (Scottish) botanist who collect plants in Central America.
The species epithet procumbens derives from the Latin "procumben" meaning "prostrate, lying flat" referring to the growth habit of the plant.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken in the red hills region of southern Alabama, 2-26-05.