Navassa Nakedstem Carpetweed: A Rare Caribbean Island Native
Meet one of the most elusive plants you’ll probably never encounter in a garden center: Navassa nakedstem carpetweed (Mollugo nudicaulis var. navassensis). This little-known variety represents a fascinating example of island endemism, though it’s definitely not your typical garden plant recommendation.
What Is Navassa Nakedstem carpetweed?
Navassa nakedstem carpetweed is a forb – essentially a soft-stemmed plant without woody growth above ground. Think of it as an herb-like plant that can be either annual or perennial, depending on conditions. As a forb, it lacks the thick, woody stems you’d find on shrubs or trees, instead keeping its growing points at or below ground level.
Where Does It Come From?
This plant is native exclusively to Navassa Island, a small uninhabited Caribbean island between Haiti and Jamaica. It’s what botanists call an endemic species – meaning it naturally occurs nowhere else on Earth. Navassa Island itself is only about 2 square miles, making this one of the most geographically restricted plants you could imagine.
Should You Try to Grow It?
Here’s where things get tricky. While we don’t have definitive information about this plant’s current conservation status, its extremely limited natural range raises significant concerns. Plants restricted to such small islands are inherently vulnerable to extinction, and Navassa Island’s history of human disturbance doesn’t help matters.
For practical gardening purposes, you’re unlikely to find this plant available anywhere. Even if you could locate it, responsible gardening practices would suggest focusing on more widely available native plants for your region instead.
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, specific growing requirements for Navassa nakedstem carpetweed remain largely unknown. Given its Caribbean island origin, we might assume it prefers warm conditions, but without more research, any growing advice would be pure speculation.
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
If you’re interested in supporting native plants, consider looking into native species actually found in your area. Your local native plant society or extension office can point you toward native alternatives that will thrive in your specific conditions while supporting local wildlife.
For those fascinated by island endemics and rare plants, supporting botanical gardens and conservation organizations working to protect such species is probably the most meaningful way to help preserve these living treasures.
The Bigger Picture
Plants like Navassa nakedstem carpetweed remind us of nature’s incredible diversity and fragility. While you probably won’t be planting this one in your backyard anytime soon, its story highlights why protecting natural habitats – especially vulnerable ones like small islands – matters so much for preserving Earth’s botanical heritage.
