Heliotropiaceae: Heliotrope Family
Seaside Heliotrope / Chinese Pusley – Heliotropium curassavicum var. oculatum
Blooms:
Feb – Oct
Plant Height:
Stems 10 – 60 cm
Flower Size:
Medium cluster
Origin:
Native
Habitat:
Saline or alkaline soils, many communities
Notes: Both stems and the oblanceolate leaves are fleshy, generally prostrate or ascending. The inflorescence forms a loose coil, with double rows of symmetrically placed flowers. Individual flowers are white, with a narrowly bell-shaped tube, and a yellowish-to-purple throat with 5 distinct veins. This plant is now in the family Heliotropiaceae (formerly in Boraginaceae). Photos #2 and 4 by CJH.