Slender Creeping-Oxeye: A Rare Puerto Rican Native Worth Discovering
If you’re a gardener in Puerto Rico looking to support truly local flora, you might want to get acquainted with slender creeping-oxeye (Sphagneticola gracilis). This lesser-known native perennial is part of Puerto Rico’s unique botanical heritage, though you won’t find it growing in gardens very often—and there’s a good reason for that rarity.
What Is Slender Creeping-Oxeye?
Slender creeping-oxeye is a perennial forb, which simply means it’s a non-woody plant that comes back year after year. Unlike shrubs or trees, forbs like this one don’t develop thick, woody stems and instead put their energy into softer growth that emerges from buds at or below ground level each growing season.
Botanically known as Sphagneticola gracilis, this plant has had quite the identity crisis over the years. You might see it listed under several former names including Wedelia gracilis, Complaya gracilis, or Thelechitonia gracilis—all referring to the same plant as taxonomists have shuffled it between different genus classifications.
Where Does It Call Home?
This plant is what we call an endemic species, meaning it’s found naturally in only one place on Earth: Puerto Rico. As a true Puerto Rican native, it represents part of the island’s irreplaceable natural heritage.
Should You Grow Slender Creeping-Oxeye?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While supporting native plants is always admirable, slender creeping-oxeye presents some challenges for the average gardener:
- Limited availability: You’re unlikely to find this plant at your local nursery
- Unknown growing requirements: Specific care instructions aren’t well-documented
- Uncertain conservation status: We don’t know if this species is rare or declining in the wild
Growing Considerations
If you do encounter slender creeping-oxeye or have the opportunity to grow it, keep in mind that it’s a perennial forb adapted to Puerto Rico’s tropical climate. Like most members of the sunflower family (Asteraceae), it likely prefers:
- Well-draining soil
- Adequate sunlight
- Regular moisture without waterlogging
However, since specific growing requirements aren’t well-documented, you’d essentially be experimenting—which could be exciting if you’re up for the challenge!
The Responsible Approach
If you’re interested in this plant, please ensure any material you acquire comes from ethical, sustainable sources. Never collect plants from the wild, especially when dealing with species that might be rare or declining. Instead, look for:
- Reputable native plant societies
- Conservation organizations
- Botanical gardens with propagation programs
Native Alternatives to Consider
While slender creeping-oxeye might be difficult to source and grow, Puerto Rico has many other beautiful native plants that are better understood and more readily available. Consider exploring other native Puerto Rican species that can provide similar ecological benefits while being easier to establish in your garden.
Sometimes the most responsible way to appreciate a rare native plant is to support its conservation in the wild while choosing better-known native alternatives for our home landscapes. After all, every native plant we grow—no matter which species—helps support local ecosystems and wildlife.
