Psychotria Species, Shortleaf Wild Coffee, Velvet-leafed Wild Coffee

Shortleaf Wild Coffee, Sulzner's Wild Coffee, Velvetleaf Wild Coffee or Soft-leaved Wild Coffee (Psychotria sulzneri) is a superb, wildli...Read Morefe-attracting and benefiting native plant, native to the moist hammock understories, flatwoods, moderately moist habitats in sun to partial or full shade and in many similar habitats inbetween from central Florida (zone 9a) southward in almost every county through the rest of the sate and the Keys through zone 11. It differs from Psychotria nervosa AKA Wild Coffee by having smaller berries and thinner, not as shiny, leaves. The berries of P. sulzneri, this species, are small and bright red and highly useful for wildlife as they provide food for birds and other small wildlife and insects. The small, whitish flowers in small clusters provide nectar for and are pollinated by and are useful for insects and possibly other wildlife such as hummingbirds. The leaves are long and thinner than P. nervosa or Wild Coffee, and the berries of this species are smaller than P. nervosa or Wild Coffee, but is just as useful for wildlife. This plant requires regular (moderate) watering and the soil must not dry up completely between waterings. Otherwise, it is an excellent small to medium native shrub for central and southern Florida that benefits wildlife!

MORE FACTS - Thrives in the landscape and grows wild from central Florida (zone 9a) southward through the rest of the state and the Keys (zone 11). Has thin leaves (thinner than Wild Coffee AKA P. nervosa) and small, bright red berries that are much smaller than that of P. nervosa. Great for wildlife such as birds, insects and small creatures. Synonyms are Psychotria pulverulenta Urb. and Psychotria tenuifolia Sw. One of the common names, Velvetleaf of Soft-leaved Wild Coffee is due because of the soft underside of the leaves. Grows as a small to medium shrub. Must be watered regularily (moderately) and the soil must not dry out completely between waterings. Available at many native plant nurseries and garden centers. Often labled under any of the common names and most commonly used scientific name (Psychotria sulzneri) as well as often under the other 2 scientific names, Psychotria pulverulenta and Psychotria tenuifolia. Superb from zone 9a in central Florida southward through the rest of the state and the Keys and through zone 11!