Photo Courtesy: Marty Strenges

Red Stopper

Eugenia rhombea  Krug & Urb. ex Urb.

yew-JEE-nee-uh RHOM-bee-uh

Myrtaceae

Explanation of name: Eugenia honors Prince Eugene of Savoy (1663-1736), French patron of botany. Rhombea refers to the rhombic (somewhat diamond-shaped) leaves.

Natural range: Hammock understories in the Florida Keys. Rare (TOM)

Recognition: Leaves opposite with a faint yellow margin. Ovate to rhombic-ovate leaf blade, about  1” X  2”. Pedicels usually longer than the flowers. Flowers axillary, fuzzy, ½” wide, clustered or solitary (HAM). Ripe fruits scarlet to black. Similar to E. axillaris which does not have the faint yellow leaf margin.

Landscape uses: Small upright and very slow-growing evergreen, which can be pruned to any desirable height and shape. No maintenance required. Propagation by seeds.

State-listed as endangered (WU2). Not commonly cultivated.

Notes: Fruit provides food for birds and other wildlife. Does not flower when young.