Strumpfia maritima — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Strumpfia maritima

Strumpfia Maritima

Updated · 9 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Strumpfia is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. The genus contains only one species, viz. Strumpfia maritima, which is found from southern Florida to northern Venezuela. Strumpfia maritima is also the only species in the tribe Strumpfieae. It is an evergreen shrub of coastal areas that rarely exceeds 1 m (3.3 ft) in height. Pride of Big Pine is a common name. Strumpfia was named by Nicolaus Jacquin in 1760 in his compilation entitled Enumeratio Systematis Plantarum. It was named for Christopher Strumpf, professor of chemistry and botany at Hall, in Magdeburg, and editor of Carl Linnaeus's Genera Plantarum.

A note from PlantMom

Pride of big pine has strong resistance to disease and is generally unlikely to be affected by it. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When planted outdoors, it needs little watering, and larger plants typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have bloomed. Pride of big pinet is suitable for anyone with an outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not require much care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Strumpfia Maritima.

Light

Pride of big pine is native to open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest edges, which provide abundant light. It does best in full sun but can also tolerate partial sun, adapting well to different sunlight conditions.

Water

The Pride of Big Pine thrives in coastal regions, where it adapts well to the saline mist and heavy rains. Although it prefers drier conditions, it requires watering twice a week. This plant is best suited for outdoor settings, as it is hardy and tolerates salt spray. These qualities make it an ideal choice for seaside gardens and contribute to ecosystem stability.

Fertilizer

To encourage healthy growth, fertilize your Pride of big pine in early spring. Regular feeding improves overall health, producing vigorous growth, better tolerance of harsh conditions, and enhanced resistance to pests and diseases. Keep a consistent fertilization schedule for your Pride of big pine to preserve vivid, deep-colored foliage and a lush look.

Pruning

The Pride of Big Pine plant thrives in coastal environments and is tolerant of salt. To encourage healthy growth and bushiness, it is best to prune the plant in early spring. This not only removes dead branches but also aligns with the plant's growth cycle, improving air circulation and light penetration, both of which are essential for its vigor and resilience.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Strumpfia
Family
Rubiaceae
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Native Area
Bahamas, Cuba, Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela, Jamaica
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Pride-of-Big Pine en Strumpfia en Pride-of-Big-Pine en Pride of Big Pine en Rosemary
PLATES
Strumpfia maritima habit
PLATE 01 · habit
Strumpfia maritima habit
PLATE 02 · habit