West Indian Milkberry
(Chiococca alba)
West Indian Milkberry (Chiococca alba)
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Henggang Cui
Public Domain
Image By:
Henggang Cui
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Henggang Cui | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Henggang Cui | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-12-26T13:45:33-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Chiococca alba, commonly known as West Indian Milkberry, is an evergreen vine that can also take the form of a shrub or small tree, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including the Caribbean, Florida, Mexico, and Central and South America. It thrives in a variety of habitats, such as coastal forests, thickets, and the understory of hardwood forests. West Indian Milkberry typically reaches a height of up to 6 meters (20 feet) and is characterized by its scrambling habit, often using other vegetation for support. Its leaves are glossy, dark green, and provide year-round interest.
The plant is adorned with clusters of fragrant, tubular yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, followed by white to yellowish-white drupes that are attractive to birds. West Indian Milkberry is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its evergreen foliage and showy fruits. It is used in tropical and subtropical landscapes for naturalistic plantings, as a specimen plant, or for creating informal hedges. It prefers part shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It requires medium amounts of water and well-drained soil. While generally low-maintenance, it may need pruning to control its spread or to maintain a desired shape.CC BY-SA 4.0
The plant is adorned with clusters of fragrant, tubular yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, followed by white to yellowish-white drupes that are attractive to birds. West Indian Milkberry is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its evergreen foliage and showy fruits. It is used in tropical and subtropical landscapes for naturalistic plantings, as a specimen plant, or for creating informal hedges. It prefers part shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It requires medium amounts of water and well-drained soil. While generally low-maintenance, it may need pruning to control its spread or to maintain a desired shape.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Vine, Tree, Shrub
- Height: 6-10 feet
- Width: 6-10 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, thriving in coastal forests, thickets, and the understory of hardwood forests
Other Names
Common Names: Milkberry, West Indian Snowberry, David’s Milkberry, David’s-Root, Davisroot, Snowberry, Cahinca, Canica, Perlilla, Bejuco De Berac
Scientific Names: , Chiococca alba, Chiococca parvifolia, Chiococca brachiata, Chiococca alba subsp. alba, Chiococca racemosa, Chiococca densifolia, Chiococca pinetorum, Chiococca pubescens, Chiococca parviflora
GBIF Accepted Name: Chiococca alba (L.) Hitchc.