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Landscape scrub #327393

Asked June 01, 2016, 7:41 AM EDT

The town was told that this is a Mexican indigo. We don't believe it is. Can you advise. We're using it on a large project. It is a small shrub that stands about 12-18 " tall. We can't seem to identify it .

Miami-Dade County Florida

Expert Response

Mexican indigo should definitely have blue flowers, and they would be in a long flower stalk.  This may be murraya https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murraya  and http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/shrub_fact_sheets/murpana.pdf.  You might take a branch with flowers in to your local extension office for a closer inspection and identification.  Adrian Hunsberger would be the person to talk to: Adrian Hunsberger, M.S. Urban Horticulture Agent /Master Gardener Coordinator, <personal data hidden> Ext. 236.   18710 SW 288 St. , Homestead, FL 33030
Carrie Lapaire Harmon, PhD Replied June 06, 2016, 10:22 AM EDT
Though it may look similar to jasmine it is not. it is a compacted shrub that is being used in our entry feature on NW 154 st and the Palmetto Pkwy. off the north bound off ramp. I am attaching a few photos. We are really stumped as to what it could be. I've ask locate grower and we get all types of different answers. (Mexican indigo, Mexican heather). I am the towns Arborist/ Horticulturalist and I am still having trouble Identifying it.
The Question Asker Replied June 06, 2016, 10:51 AM EDT
Do the flowers have any scent?  Are the leaves thick?  Are they borne alternately?  And flowers are borne singly?
Carrie Lapaire Harmon, PhD Replied June 06, 2016, 10:56 AM EDT
I'm sorry, but you'll have to take a sample to your local Extension office or you could try a botanist at one of the botanic gardens in your area.  For example,
Brett Jestrow, PhD:
  Herbarium Curator
  Email: <personal data hidden>
  Phone:<personal data hidden> x 3427
Sylvan Kaufman Replied June 06, 2016, 11:51 AM EDT

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