Borage of Zihuatanejo

Scorpionstail (Heliotropium angiospermum) is a perennial shrub-like plant with unique white flowers that bloom year-round. Its nectar attracts a variety of butterflies. The plant occurs naturally in coastal hammocks and strands, and ruderal or disturbed areas. Flowers are small, white and borne singly or in pairs along one side of a curved or coiled terminal spike. The genus name Heliotropium comes from the Greek helios, or “sun,” and trepein, or “to turn.” It refers to the belief that the plants turn their flowers toward the sun. The common name refers to the helicoid flower spikes that are reminiscent of a scorpion’s coiled tail.