Eugenia foetida, Eugenia buxifolia

Eugenia foetida (Spanish Stopper) is native to Florida and the West Indies and can be used for bonsai. This small tree can reach a height of 10-20 feet and requires full sun or semi-shade to thrive. Moderate water is all that is needed to keep it healthy. It produces white, off-white flowers that are also quite fragrant and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It is also an ethnomedical plant because its fruit was used as a treatment for diarrhea. As a bonus, it is also quite tolerant to salt, so it can thrive in seaside locations. It is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11, so it will be perfect for those who live in colder regions.

When it comes to growing and maintaining this plant, it prefers moist, well-draining, soils and full sun or part shade. Prune it lightly in winter to encourage flower production. This evergreen plant looks best when kept slightly dry and should not be over-watered. During the winter, mulch will help keep the plant warm and can be used to help it tolerate the cold. To keep it in excellent condition, it will need regular fertilization with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. If necessary, prune it in summer to remove dead or damaged branches.

Similar plants:

• Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Eugenia salicifolia (Murta)
• Eugenia aggregata (Cherry of the Rio Grande, Cere Jodo Rio Grande)
• Eugenia braziliensis, Eugenia dombeyi (Grumichama)
• Eugenia confusa (Red Berry Stopper)
• Eugenia luschnathiana, Phyllocalyx luschnathianus (Pitomba)
• Eugenia neonitida (Pitangatuba)
• Eugenia pyriformis (Uvaia, Uvalha, Uvaia-do-mato, Uvaieira)
• Eugenia reinwardtiana (Beach Cherry, Cedar Bay Cherry)
• Eugenia rhombea (Red Stopper)
• Eugenia sp. (Eugenia)