Florida (or wild or false) Pennyroyal (Piloblephis rigida) is a native plant in the mint family that grows in Split Oak Forest. It grows into pretty obvious mounds and usually flowers in the spring. It can be used to make a delicious tea or mixed drink. You'll find it throughout peninsular Florida in the dryer upland plant communities while hiking, as well as in native plant enthusiasts' yards. You can find this plant for sale at native nurseries like Green Isle Gardens in Groveland and The Natives in Davenport1
Florida Pennyroyal photographed by Valerie Anderson found near Lake Two in Split Oak Forest WEA, March 3, 2018.
Florida Pennyroyal used to be a reliable nectar plant for honeybees, but is no longer. Central Florida beekeepers that I've spoken to aren't aware of it as a nectar plant2. As a member of the mint family, its flowers are easily accessible to honeybees.
I have personally observed Florida Pennyroyal twice in Split Oak Forest, once this past Saturday near Lake Two and last November I saw it without flowers in the Osceola part. iNaturalist has two other observations in Split Oak Forest. The USF Herbarium has four vouchered specimens in Orange and Osceola counties, the earliest from 1952, pictured below.
USF Herbarium specimen of Piloblephis rigida collected by George R. Cooley, 1952
One response
The last time I recall seeing this mint was in Lake Worth, Florida, Lake Worth Road and 441, in the Ranchettes. I lived on Rodeo Drive. Across the street was all scrub land. I used to pic the flower buds. These plants grew under the shade of pine. The smell was wonderful. My neighbor used to make tea with it. This was 32 years ago. I still look for it up in the Lakeland/Kathleen area, but have not seen it. From what I understand, if there are prescribed burns in the area, neither they, nor their seeds can survive it. It does not grow in areas that are prone to fire.