Bastardiopsis eggersii – Jost Van Dyke's Indian-Mallow

Jost Van Dyke's indian-mallow is a highly endangered Caribbean shrub or small tree known from three islands in the British Virgin Islands and one island off the coast of Puerto Rico. An article by Fred Kraus provides very detailed information about this rare plant. The image above is of a young plant growing in a private garden in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The plant is surrounded by numerous seedlings of black ironwood (Krugiodendron ferreum). The genus to which Jost Van Dyke's indian-mallow belongs has been a matter of some controversy and it is sometimes found listed as Abutilon virginianum or as Sida eggersii.

Plants in my garden flower in early spring (January in south Florida). The flowers are tiny but are attractive to bees and are rather pretty when examined closely.

Images and text © 2013 Rufino Osorio