Eugenia foetida
 
Common Names Spanish Stopper, Boxleaf Stopper
 
Zones 10A–11
 
A hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree native to coastal South Florida and the Bahamas, Eugenia foetida thrives in limestone-rich hammocks, thickets, and mangrove margins. Known for its dense foliage and musky-scented flowers, it offers year-round cover and fruit for wildlife. Its narrow form and tolerance for pruning make it ideal for hedges, buffers, and restoration in tight urban or coastal spaces.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright; vase-shaped to oval canopy; multi-stemmed or single trunk
Height: Typically 12–20 ft (3.6–6 m); spread 8–15 ft (2.4–4.5 m)
Leaves: Opposite or subopposite; simple; elliptic; dark green above, yellowish beneath; 2<2 in (5 cm) long
Flowers: Small, white, 4-petaled; frilly with prominent stamens; bloom year-round, peak in summer; musky scent
Fruit: Round berries; <½ in (1.2 cm); ripen from red to purplish-black; edible but mildly astringent; bird-friendly
Ecology: Native to coastal hammocks, mangrove edges, and shell mounds; supports pollinators and frugivorous birds2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade
Watering: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Soil: Well-drained; calcareous, loamy, or sandy; pH neutral to alkaline
Temperature: Frost sensitive; protect below 40°F (4°C)
Humidity: High tolerance; thrives in coastal humidity
Propagation: Seed (de-pulped); cuttings less common
Tolerance: Salt wind (not direct spray), pruning, urban conditions
 
Landscape Use Excellent for narrow hedges, privacy screens, and restoration buffers. Use in wildlife gardens or as a fragrant accent near patios. Pairs well with Eugenia axillaris, Guapira discolor, and Psychotria nervosa.