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Native Plant Society of Texas

Crucillo

Randia obcordata

Other common name(s):

Family:

Rubiaceae (Madder Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes
Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Shrub

Height

3
to
6
ft.

Spread

3
to
4
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Annual

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Clay, Loam, Rich, Rocky, Sand, Well Drained

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Forage, Fruit, Nectar, Nesting Material, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Deer, Small Mammals

Maintenance

Low maintenance. Drought tolerance is achieved once the plant is established, and watering should be withheld during winter dormancy. Widely used as an ornamental and hedge plant in warm regions. Plant away from high traffic areas due to spiny stems. Native habitat: near streams, river banks, and canyons as well as dry, rocky, open sites.

Description

Blooms April-August. Grows as a tall shrub or small tree. Stems have cross-like paired spines. Heart-shaped leaves are leathery. When in full bloom, branches are covered with the white 4-lobed flowers. single or few on leaf axils, especially after rains. The green-striped berry ripens to blueblack.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Randia rhagocarpa

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Stem Cutting Rooting hormone powder or gel stimulates root growth from randia obcordata cuttings. By applying the hormone to the freshly cut base, it increases the probability of cuttings establishing roots rapidly, which is crucial for the overall survival and development of new randia obcordata plants. Plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Ensuring adequate moisture and avoiding direct sunlight initially can enhance root development, thus increasing the chances of successful establishment. A humidity dome helps maintain high humidity levels around randia obcordata cuttings, which is beneficial in preventing the cuttings from drying out before they have a chance to root. Maintaining a consistent environment with adequate moisture around the cuttings is critical for their survival during the initial stages of rooting. Regular monitoring for pests and diseases should accompany this propagation process to maintain the vitality of the new plants. A heat mat can be crucial for propagating randia obcordata from cuttings, especially in cooler environments. It provides consistent bottom warmth that can significantly improve the rooting success rate by promoting an ideal growing environment. Select healthy, disease-free stem cuttings in spring or summer. Sharp pruning shears are essential for taking clean and precise cuttings from randia obcordata. A clean cut helps minimize damage to the parent plant and the cutting itself, enhancing the chances of successful rooting. These shears should ideally be disinfected before use to prevent disease transmission. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Randia_obcordata.html#:~:text=Randia%20obcordata%20is%20typically%20propagated%20through%20cuttings%2C,moisture%20and%20avoiding%20direct%20sunlight%20initially%20can

About the Region

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This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason