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Description
Eugenia Rhombea (Red Stopper), is a Florida native small tree or shrub. Which is an understory plant of hammocks, which grows to 15 to 20 feet. It has a spread out oval crown of moderate density. Featuring a smooth brown to gray mottled bark. The unusual common name apparently comes from the use of a leaf tea taken to stop diarrhea. Additionally, it’s leaves are green, opposite, simple, entire, diamond-shaped (rhombic) and 1 to 2 inches long. Young leaves are reddish while mature leaves have a faint yellow edge.
Furthermore, flowers are borne in dense, axillary clusters. Its blooms are minute, white with numerous spreading stamens, and inconspicuous. Fruits are round, fleshy, edible berries, and red. They are considered mature when they become black in color, and are less than 1 to 2 inch in diameter. Its seed attracts birds and other animals. Propagation is done through the use of its tiny seeds. Although, small in dimensions, the wood is used in cabinetry.
Eugenia Rhombea (Red Stopper) grows well in sandy, clayey or salty soils, if well drained. It is easily pruned, to form either a single or a multi-stemmed tree or shrub. This plant has no serious pest or disease problems. In landscaping, red stopper, with its attractive bark, leaves and colorful fruits, has applications to provide shade on a deck or patio, as a median or parking lot screen, and in the garden as a specimen or accent planting. Wild red stopper is endangered in Florida.
