Overview
Deltoid spurge (Chamaesyce deltoidea ssp. deltoidea) is a perennial herb with wiry stems and tiny wedge-shaped leaves that grow in mats over exposed limestone, arising from an underground, woody taproot. It is only found in the pine rockland ecosystems of central Miami-Dade County.
Threats
The primary threats to deltoid spurge are habitat destruction, fragmentation, and modification due to development, along with fire suppression, invasive plants, and sea level rise. Its habitat of pine rocklands is a globally imperiled ecosystem.
Scientific Name
Identification Numbers
Characteristics
Habitat
Openings in pine rocklands with scattered shrubs and exposed limestone, often with sandy pockets.
Physical Characteristics
Deltoid spurge is a low-growing plant with thin stems and triangle-shaped (deltoid) leaves about one-fifth of an inch long. The plant produces male and female flowers that grow together in a cup-like structure. The small fruits have three seeds and measure about four-fifths of an inch long. It flowers and produces fruit from May to November.
Life Cycle
This perennial flowers from April through November, peaking in July. Plants can resprout from a woody taproot following fire.
Little is known aboutdeltoid spurge’s reproduction although other congeneric species are completely reliant on insects for pollination and seed production while others are self-pollinating. Pollinators may include bees, flies, ants, and wasps. Ants have been observed visiting flowers, though it remains unclear whether they are effective pollinators.
Similar Species
Several mat-forming spurges occur in south Florida pine rocklands. Deltoid spurge is distinguished by its wiry stems and dark green, rounded, triangular leaves, all lacking hairs.
Timeline
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