Eugenia confusa
 
Common Names Red Stopper, Redberry Stopper, Ironwood
 
Zones 10A–11
 
A rare, evergreen tree native to South Florida, the Caribbean, and parts of Central America, Eugenia confusa is prized for its glossy foliage, fragrant white flowers, and showy red fruits. Endangered in Florida, it thrives in coastal hammocks and limestone-rich uplands, offering high wildlife value and exceptional hurricane resilience. Its slow growth and compact form make it ideal for specimen planting, screening, and restoration in calcareous soils.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright; multi-trunked or single leader; dense canopy
Height: Typically 15–25 ft (4.5–7.6 m); older specimens may reach 35+ ft (10.6 m)
Leaves: Opposite; leathery; reddish-green when young, maturing to glossy medium green; margins slightly revolute
Flowers: Small, white to cream; frilly with prominent yellow stamens; bloom spring through summer; fragrant but short-lived
Fruit: Globose red berries; juicy, cherry-like; ripen in fall; edible but mildly astringent; attract birds and wildlife
Ecology: Native to rockland and coastal hammocks; insect-pollinated; supports frugivorous birds and native moths
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade
Watering: Moderate; prefers somewhat moist conditions with short dry periods
Soil: Lime rock, sand, or humus-rich upland soils; calcareous pH preferred
Temperature: Frost sensitive; protect below 40°F (4°C)
Humidity: High tolerance; thrives in subtropical climates
Propagation: De-pulped seed; cuttings less common
Tolerance: Low salt tolerance; not suitable for direct coastal exposure
 
Landscape Use Ideal for specimen planting, native buffers, and restoration in upland hammocks. Use in shaded gardens or as a slow-growing screen. Pairs well with Guapira discolor, Psychotria nervosa, and Simarouba glauca.