Beach clustervine (Jacquemontia reclinata)

Description:

This weekend, I happened upon one of our rarest native morning glories. Beach clustervine is a federally listed endangered species with possibly less than 700 individuals left in the wild. This species is endemic to Florida dune & coastal strand communities. Surviving populations are very fragmented. The plant above was part of a project to help restore the species. A few years ago, seedlings grown at Fairchild Tropical Garden (from local seeds & cuttings) were planted back in their native habitat at Juno Dunes Natural Area, and seem to doing well. They do have to compete with exotic weeds and nearby foot traffic. Most flowers are white but a few are light pink.