Florida Gardening - Pygmy Fringe Tree
Pygmy Fringe Tree
Genus: Chionanthus
Species: pygmaeus
This is my most prized trees in my garden. They are an endangered species that endemic in central Florida on what is known as the sand ridge. The sand ridge an ancient beach and sand dune formed 1-3 million years ago. [2] These trees are rare and hard to find. They are endangered because of habitat loss from Citrus and Housing development. [1]
Facts:
Status: Endangered as of January 21, 1987 [1]
Height: 10 feet
Life Span: 20-70 years [1]
Propagation:
Little is known about seed dissemination of Chionanthus pygmaeus, and seed
production is variable from year to year, with mixed reports for success of
germination. In nursery conditions the best results are obtained with cleaned,
air-dried seed, but whole fruits have also germinated. Bok Tower Gardens has
achieved 60 to 70 percent germination rates under greenhouse conditions
(T. Race, Bok Tower Gardens, personal communication 1996) [1]
Flowers:
It usually flowers in Spring around March, but only for 2-4 weeks. They are showy and beautiful.
Fertilization:
None
Diseases:
None
Pests:
None
Finale:
I'm grateful that I live in the native area for this beautiful little tree and help toward reestablishing it. I always enjoy the showy flowers that this petite tree produces in Spring time. I will keep looking for more of these beauties as nurseries get them available.
A short video I did of this tree.