Myrtaceae

Edward F. Gilman, Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, andRyan Klein

Spicewood is an evergreen shrub to small tree with glossy foliage and inconspicuous flowers. It is well suited as a screen, standard, hedge, or border in the landscape.

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the white stopper (Eugenia axillaris), a small evergreen tree or large shrub native to Florida’s sandy coastal areas. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its moderate growth rate, medium texture, and high drought tolerance. The white stopper is noted for its ornamental features, such as bright red leaves that turn green, yellow summer flowers, and edible red or black berries. The document also highlights the plant’s various uses in landscaping, its adaptability to different soil types, and its resistance to pests. Original publication date October 1999.

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the Eugenia rhombea, commonly known as red stopper or spiceberry. It details the tree’s characteristics, including its moderate growth rate, evergreen leaves, and year-round white flowers. The red stopper is native to Florida and thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10B through 11. It is well-suited for various landscaping uses, such as hedges, parking lot islands, and street plantings, due to its adaptability to different soil types and high drought tolerance. The tree typically grows to a height of 15 to 20 feet and has a spread of 10 to 15 feet. It is noted for its ornamental features, pest resistance, and suitability for both shaded and sunny locations.

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora), highlighting its characteristics, uses, and invasive potential in Florida. It describes the plant’s appearance, including its smooth, shiny, aromatic leaves, small white flowers, and ribbed red berries. The document also details its growth habits, soil and light requirements, and common uses in landscaping. Additionally, it addresses the plant’s invasive status in Florida, recommending its removal and discouraging its purchase. The document concludes with information on propagation, pests, and diseases associated with the Surinam cherry. Original publication date October 1999.

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of Syzygium paniculatum, commonly known as Brush Cherry. It describes the plant’s attractive reddish foliage that matures to dark green, and its small, shiny leaves. The document highlights the plant’s growth habits, including its potential to reach up to 12 feet in height, and its common use as a hedge in residential landscapes. It also covers the plant’s white flowers, which are often pruned off but can be quite showy when left to bloom. Additionally, the document discusses the plant’s adaptability to various soil types, its high drought tolerance, and its minimal pest issues, making it a versatile choice for different landscaping needs. Original publication date October 1999. 

Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, Mary McKenzie, and Heather V. Quintana

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Ajay Das andJianjun Chen

Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora) is a slow-growing, ornamental fruit tree suited to Florida’s climate (Zones 9a–11). It thrives in acidic, consistently moist soils under partial shade, producing fruit with nutritional and medicinal value. Its unique cauliflory and flaking bark make it a distinctive addition to home landscapes. Moreover, once established, the tree is relatively low maintenance. For home gardeners, the publication provides an overview of growing jaboticaba in Florida and a brief review of the fruit's nutraceutical value. Florida gardeners can enjoy increased pollination and biodiversity in the yard, as well as fruit with health benefits.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

The common name "bottlebrush", perfectly describes this evergreen plant's bright red flower spikes. Hummingbirds love the flowers, and the plant is hardier than most bottlebrushes. The flowers are followed by small, woody capsules that look like bead bracelets on the bark, and which last for years. Offered as a shrub, bottlebrush can be trained as a tree to 15-feet or espaliered as a quick wall cover. It makes a nice screen or tall unclipped hedge. Pruning to develop several trunks and removing some lower branches can create a fine small specimen tree.

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

This popular evergreen tree has a dense, multi-trunked, low-branching, pendulous growth habit and a moderate growth rate. Mature specimens can reach 25- to 30-feet tall in 30 years, but most trees are seen 15- to 20-feet high and wide. The narrow, light green, 3- to 4-inch long leaves tend to grow only at the ends of the long, hanging branches, creating a weeping effect. The cylindrical, bright scarlet blooms, several inches long and 1.5-inches wide, are composed of multiple, long, bristlelike stamens.

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, and Deborah R. Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Eugenia is a large group of plants, some native and some non-native, including evergreen trees and shrubs, some of which have been reclassified to the genus Syzygium . The evergreen leaves are firm and glossy, and the flowers white. It is the dried buds of Eugenia aromatica ( Syzygium aromaticum ) which become the fragrant "herb" cloves.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Feijoa sellowiana , or Pineapple Guava, is a gray-green evergreen shrub or tree (depending on pruning) which produces small, tasty fruit in late summer and early fall. The plants can be pruned to form a hedge or a small tree and will withstand several degrees below freezing. It is native to South America. The plant is not used nor is it commonly available in the eastern U.S.

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean