Latherleaf facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Latherleaf
Scientific classification
Genus:	Colubrina
Species:	asiatica
Synonyms
Ceanothus asiaticus L.

Colubrina asiatica is a type of shrub found in warm, tropical parts of the world. People often call it latherleaf, Asian nakedwood, or Asian snakewood. It belongs to the Rhamnaceae family, which includes many different kinds of plants. You can find it growing naturally from East Africa all the way to India, southeast Asia, tropical Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

What is Latherleaf Like?

Latherleaf grows like a vine, sending out many stems. These stems can reach up to 9 meters (about 30 feet) long. Its branches have simple, shiny leaves. The leaves are oval-shaped and can be 3.7 to 13.7 centimeters (1.5 to 5.4 inches) long. They have wavy or slightly toothed edges.

The flowers of the latherleaf plant are small and greenish. They grow in clusters where the leaves meet the stem. You can see these flowers blooming all year round. After the flowers, small, round fruits appear. These fruits are like berries, about 1.3 centimeters (0.5 inches) across. Inside, they have small, gray seeds. These seeds can float and are not harmed by salt water. This helps the plant spread easily across oceans to new places.

Latherleaf plants grow best in sunny or partly sunny areas.

Why is Latherleaf a Problem in Florida?

In Florida, United States, Colubrina asiatica is known as an invasive species. This means it is a plant that is not native to the area. It can spread quickly and take over the space where native plants should grow. When this happens, it can change the natural ecosystem of the area.

The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council lists latherleaf as a "Type 1 exotic invader." This is the highest level of concern. It has been found in the southern part of Florida. This includes areas like Miami-Dade, Broward, Collier, Lee, and Martin counties. It is also found in the Florida Keys. Scientists first found this plant in Florida in 1937.