FNPS Plant Database

Myrcia neopallens

pale lidflower, spicewood
  • Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
  • Photo by: Roger Hammer, Dade Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

pale lidflower, spicewood

Synonym(s):

Calyptranthes pallens

Genus species:

Myrcia neopallens

Family:

Myrtaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

shrub

Size:

10-20 ft tall by 5-10 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

white

Fruit Color:

red, purple, black

Phenology:

Evergreen. Blooms March-September. Lifespan >50 yrs.

Noted For:

Showy Fruits, Aroma/Showy Fruitsagrance, Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Useful as a screen or hedge plant. Typically used in natural landscapes. Used for dense foliage and shiny leaves.

Considerations:

Plants tend to have many stems, but can be pruned to a single trunk.

Availability:

Native Nurseries

Propagation:

De-pulped seed.

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

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

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

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray.

Soil or Other Substrate:

Soil pH:

Calcareous (high pH)

Suitable to Grow In:

10A,10B,11

USDA zones are based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature.

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Vouchered In:

Distribution
Vouchered
Not vouchered
Selected
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No county distribution is available for this plant yet.
Starting…
Map coded by Melissa Fernandez-de Cespedes (Paynes Prairie Chapter)

Ecology

Wildlife:

Birds

Birds and consume the fruit.





Provides cover.

Native Habitats:

Coastal hammocks.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:

Foliage may be fragrant.



Listed as Threatened by the state of Florida.  Please acquire only from reputable suppliers with appropriate permits and licenses.

FNPS Plant Print

Citations:

Gann, G.D., C.J. Abbott, C.G. Stocking, K.N. Hines, and collaborators. (2001+). Spicewood, Pale lidflower. Natives For Your Neighborhood. ( https://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Calypall ). Accessed 2026. The Institute for Regional Conservation. Delray Beach, Florida.


Haehle, Robert G. and Joan Brookwell. (1999). Native Florida Plants. Gulf Publishing Company. Houston, TX.


Nelson, Gil. (2003). Florida's Best Landscape Plants: 200 Readily Available Species for Homeowners and Professionals. University Press of Florida, Gainesville.


Osorio, Rufino. (2001). A Gardener's Guide to Florida's Native Plants. University Press of Florida, Gainesville.


Wunderlin, R. P., B. F. Hansen, A. R. Franck, and F. B. Essig. (1999+). Atlas of Florida Plants. ( https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/ ). [S. M. Landry and K. N. Campbell (application development), USF Water Institute.] Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa.

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