Myrsine, Rapanea

Rapanea punctata (Lam.) Lundell

rah-PAIN-ee-ah  punk-TAY-tah

Myrsinaceae

Explanation of name: Rapanea is a Native American name (WOR). Punctata means spotted.

Synonym: Myrsine guianensis (Aubl.) Kuntze (misapplied, see WU1)

Natural range: Florida, Tropical America. Hammocks, woodlands, swamps, dry ridges (PBCC, WU1, HAE, TOM, WOR)

Recognition: A native shrub or small tree characterized by usually curled, shiny leaves and by having the flowers---or the black pea-sized fruits, or the bare pedicels---scattered along the stem. The flowers are small and creamy white with the spreading of the petals opening the attached anthers in male specimens (TOM). Male specimens may develop sterile abortive fruits (TOM).

Landscape uses: A popular native landscaping shrub or small tree. The form is often narrow and columnar. May be used for foundation plantings, hedges (but the large leaves do not clip well), screens, masses, clumps, and specimens. Valued for its tolerance of broad conditions (PBCC, HAE). The fruits on female individuals attract birds. The plants are dioecious or partly so.