Tree Lily

Scientific name: Cubanola domingensis

POWO Status: Shrub or Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Not Evaluated

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 54.44″ N, 64° 49′ 47.97″ W

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Observations:

Phenology Markers

Common Name: Campanita, Dominican Bellflower
Scientific Name: Cubanola domingensis
Family: Rubiaceae
Native Region: Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti)
Habitat: Subtropical dry forests, limestone soils, garden landscapes in warm climates

General Description:

Cubanola domingensis is a rare, tropical shrub or small tree prized for its striking, pendulous, trumpet-shaped flowers. The blooms are pale green to creamy white, often with a waxy texture and a subtle fragrance. This species is slow-growing and typically prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. In cultivated settings, it is admired as an ornamental plant for its elegant floral display and architectural form.

Phenological Markers:

1. Flowering Period:

  • First Sign of Budding: Late spring (May – June)
  • Peak Bloom: Early to mid-summer (June – August)
  • End of Flowering: Early fall (September – October)
  • Flower Characteristics: Large, bell-shaped, pale greenish to white flowers, often facing downward; blooms may last several days.

2. Leaf Growth and Senescence:

  • New Leaf Growth: Late winter to early spring (February – April)
  • Leaf Maturity: Mid to late spring (April – May)
  • Leaf Senescence: Rarely deciduous; leaves may yellow and drop during drought or cooler months
  • Leaf Characteristics: Glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves with opposite arrangement

3. Fruit Production:

  • First Sign of Fruit Development: Late summer (August – September)
  • Fruit Maturity: Fall (October – November)
  • Fruit Characteristics: Small, capsule-like fruit (rarely observed in cultivation); development may vary based on pollinator presence

4. Dormancy Period:

  • Dormancy Begins: Winter (December – January), especially in cooler or dry conditions
  • Dormancy Ends: Late winter to early spring (February – March)
  • Dormancy Characteristics: Reduced growth; occasional leaf drop

Ecological Notes:

  • Pollinators: Likely moths or other night-active insects drawn to pale, fragrant flowers
  • Wildlife Interaction: Minimal in non-native settings; rarely browsed
  • Soil Preferences: Limestone-rich, well-drained soils; neutral to slightly alkaline pH
  • Conservation Note: Native populations are limited; cultivated specimens help preserve the species

Observational Guidelines:

  • Best Time for Observation: June through August for flowering; early fall for potential fruiting
  • Photographic Markers: Document flower bud emergence, open blossoms (especially downward-facing view), and foliage health throughout the year
  • Environmental Factors to Track: Flowering may vary with rainfall, humidity, and light exposure
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