Origin
Brazil
Ecological Impact
Listed as a Category I invasive species for central and south Florida by the Florida Invasive Species Council. Has invaded hammocks in south-central and south Florida, becoming a target of eradication by park managers. The fruit is relished by birds, which spread its seeds.
Description
Evergreen, multibranched shrub or small tree to 10 m (30 ft) tall, usually shrub size in Florida; young stems often with red hairs and dark red new foliage. Leaves opposite, simple, short petioled, oval to lance shaped, 2.5-8 cm (1-3 in) long, shiny dark green above, paler below; margins entire. Flowers white, fragrant, about 13 mm (0.5 in) across, with many stamens; occurring solitary or in clusters of 2 or 3 at leaf axils. Fruit a fleshy, juicy, orange-red berry to 4 cm (1.5 in) wide, depressed-globose, conspicuously 8-ribbed, with 1-3 seeds.
Identification Tips
Differs from native Eugenia spp. (stoppers) by having relatively larger fruit and at least some flowers solitary at the leaf axils. Leaves have a distinct odor when crushed.
History
Introduced for ornament and edible fruit before 1931. Widely planted in central and south Florida, especially for hedges.
Range
Central and south Florida.
Prevention/Management Strategies
Do not plant. Remove plant and root system by hand.