Simpson's stopper
Myrcianthes fragrans

Found sparingly along the coast from Dade County to Vero Beach, abundant masses are found from there north to St. Johns County.

In the northern part of its range these become up to 20 foot tall shrubs and are found in beautiful masses along A1A and in inland hammocks. South at Fern Forest Park in Broward County, they become 40 foot or more tall trees with beautiful orange peeling bark.

The masses of fragrant white flowers in early summer are followed by bright orange half inch oval fruit from June to September. These are fought over by local birds and raccoons. The raccoons break the branches as they pull them down to feed and leave scratches on the bark where they climb. The fruit is sweet and spicey with one to four green seeds inside.

Average soil, full sun to moderate shade, no problem with freezing or some salt wind and moderately fast growing make this a hardy plant for many situations.

Use as a hedge, specimen tree, mix with other coastal species or plant in a group in front of a window. The cleaned trunks will frame your view out and with a few, well places clumps of foliage provide a screen to give you privacy.