Stenandrium dulce
(Stenandrium means narrow anthers. Dulce means sweet, probably in reference to the flowers although I detected no fragrance today.)
Acanthaceae, the Acanthus Family
For a variety of reasons I’ve let the blog lapse in recent months. But here we are with isolation time for nature. So today I took to the Covid-free swamps to re-find a large population of Sphagnum to help with a friend’s research effort. Plans take odd turns. Out of the shrubbery scampered a big mother feral hog with cute baby(ies) and stood her ground in the path making grumpy snorty sounds, so I headed in a different direction, passing Sweet Shaggytufts during my craven retreat. Now that’s a pretty species you don’t see every day, or every decade.
We live near its northern limit, in Georgia, from which the plant extends southward to Chile. Ask three observers what the natural habitat is, and you will get three different answers. It is one of the several species occurring locally that live like toads…starting out in water and ending up high and dry, often very dry. Despite being semi-“aquatic” Stenandrium turns up on hot sun-baked sand, such as it did today, even in deserts and similar circumstances. It spans both extremes, which is not unusual in South Florida. Additional amphibians coming to mind include Brookweed (Samolus ebracteatus), Hornwort (Mitreola petiolata), Small Butterwort (Pinguicula pumila), and Oakleaf Fleabane (Erigeron quercifolius).
Stenandrium forms rosettes flat on the ground, often lots of rosettes, apparently from self-seeding. It likes open space with no competitors and reportedly can maintain its social distance by making natural herbicides.
Today’s flower is a member of the large family Acanthaceae where the vast majority of species have microscopic pointy crystal-like structures in their leaves, called cystoliths. Nobody knows what cystoliths are good for, although discouraging herbivores is a distinct possibility. Stenandrium is in the small branch of the family without cystoliths, and (to speculate shamelessly) I wonder if the absence of cystoliths allows it to host the Definite Checkerspot Butterfly larva. Perhaps the missing cystoliths force the need for protection using the insect-feeding deterrent called benzoxazine. (Many caterpillars have the ability to tolerate and sequester toxins from the host plant.) Don’t eat the weeds.
Even in 2020 what pollinates those pretty pink flowers is unknown. Birds, wasps. and bees do not fit. Moths are possible. Butterflies seem most likely, and it would be fun to sit in the Shaggytuft patch awhile and see what flutters along. I might just try that…although waiting for pollinators requires more patience than fishing. Neither fish nor butterflies care about your timeframe.
John Bradford
George Rogers
George Rogers
Dee Staley
Treasure Coast Natives 
League,Susan L
March 22, 2020 at 9:25 pm
You were greatly missed. Nice to have you writing again.
Susan
Sent from my iPhone
George Rogers
March 22, 2020 at 10:52 pm
Thanks Susan!
Annie Hite
March 22, 2020 at 9:45 pm
So great to have you back. I’d like to go searching for Sweet Shaggytufts and think I might be able to find them in Jonathan Dickinson. I can’t get into the park right now for plant sleuthing (they say it’s at capacity so even my annual pass can’t get me in – not even for a few hours) so I’ve been learning what weeds are in my yard. I found coatbuttons (Tridax procumbens) today and learned they are considered a noxious weed…too bad ’cause they’re rather nice looking as a groundcover.
Can you recommend a couple of places in Palm Beach or Martin Counties to go for nature walks?
I’m also turning to nature writing and would like to recommend Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. She’s a botanist, teacher and native American.
Stay well.
George Rogers
March 22, 2020 at 10:58 pm
Annie, Nice to hear from you. Will make a point of finding Braiding Sweetgrass. Stenandrium must be in JD but it is locally rare…a real treat to find. In Martin County I like Maggy’s Hammock, Halpatioke Park, Savannas State Park when not too wet, Kiplinger Preserve although it is a little bit unpolished and muddy. In PB County Riverbend Park is lovely, interesting, pretty, and safe…and has restrooms, water, good parking, etc.
Annie Hite
March 23, 2020 at 7:45 am
Thanks for all your suggestions. Riverbed is already a favorite, but I will try out the others. Happy plant hunting.
Linda Grashoff
March 23, 2020 at 11:28 am
Glad you’re back, George. What a sweet little flower. I always especially enjoy your speculations about nature.
George Rogers
March 23, 2020 at 5:46 pm
Hi Linda! Thanks for tuning in—I gotta take a look at your latest photos.
Sabrina Carle
March 23, 2020 at 1:17 pm
Hi George! What a treat to find you in my in-box. Thank you! I was so disappointed when the Native Plant Society field trip was cancelled last weekend. I was looking forward to meeting you in person after your kind tutelage in your online class. Your blog today was perfect. Reminds me of a hike last year at Cypress Creek after a burn. Lots of Stenandriums and sphagnum. I hope your field trip with NPS will be re-scheduled. Until then, I look forward to more blogs.
beth
March 23, 2020 at 1:32 pm
Thank you, George!
I see them in Corbett once every year or two, so it’s fun to learn something about them besides their name.
Beth
George Rogers
March 23, 2020 at 5:47 pm
Hello Beth….have not been out to Corbett recently…and nice to hear from you. You sure don’t encounter Stenandrium often…such a nice treat
Jenifer Mina
March 23, 2020 at 5:19 pm
Thanks, a pleasure
George Rogers
March 23, 2020 at 5:47 pm
Thanks Jennifer!
Brenda Lines
March 25, 2020 at 11:24 am
I’ve missed your blog! Love this beautiful flower!
P.S. I want to see a mama hog scamper! Must be quite a sight! 😀
Daniel A Green
July 26, 2020 at 6:18 pm
One of the pollinators observed on the flowers of Sweet Shaggytufts is Mallow Scrub Hairstreak Butterfly. Its visit is very brief and it arrives in late morning between 11:30 AM and 12:00PM.