Crimson Dicliptera

Dicliptera assurgens

Crimson Dicliptera is also called Sixangle Foldwing. This member of the shrimp plant family is found abundantly in the Keys and occasionally in hammocks from South Florida to Central Florida.

Crimson Dicliptera is tolerant of some salt air and water and short periods of drought. It will tolerate full sun, yet does best in shade. Most plants will die in the winter, yet many seedlings will sprout in the spring. It may be necessary to remove some now and then.

If you live near the upper Keys or in the Miami area, the Cuban crescent butterfly may come and lay her eggs on this plant.

This is a good wildlife attractor. Hummingbirds visit the flowers and painted buntings and other seed eating birds will feed on the developing seeds.

For a shady area under a forest canopy try this with Snowberry, Beautyberry, Native Plumbago, shade tolerant ferns, Basket Grass, Coastal Foxtail, Marlberry, Wild Coffee and Red Salvia.

I have found it growing naturally along the Port Myaca Trail on the east side of Lake Ockeechobee in Martin County. The above named plants were found with it under towering Bald Cypress, Hackberry, Mastic and Live Oak.

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