Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

red stopper, spiceberry

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Eugenia rhombea

Family:

Myrtaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

shrub

Size:

8 -12 ft tall by 6-10 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

white

Fruit Color:

orange,black

Phenology:

Evergreen. Blooms spring-early summer. Fruits ripen in fall.

Noted For:

Showy Flowers, Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Small specimen tree or shrub. Understory tree. Grow as a large shrub or small tree.

Considerations:

Availability:

Quality Nurseries, Native Nurseries, Seed

Propagation:

Seed.

Light:

Part Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Somewhat moist, no flooding ---to--- Short very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Loam, Lime Rock

Soil pH:

Calcareous (high pH)

Suitable to Grow In:

10A,10B,11

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators, Birds, Mammals

Attracts pollinators. 

Birds and other wildlife consume fruit.

Native Habitats:

Shell mound, rockland hammock. Also in disturbed areas.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:

Listed as endangered in Florida. Please retain in the natural landscape and acquire in an environmentally conscientious manner.