Myrcianthes fragrans
 
Common Names Simpson’s Stopper, Twinberry, Anamomis
 
Zones 9B–11
 
A versatile native shrub or small tree of South Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America, Myrcianthes fragrans is prized for its fragrant white flowers, exfoliating bark, and wildlife-friendly berries. Found naturally in tropical hammocks and coastal uplands, it offers year-round interest and exceptional resilience. Its dense foliage and compact form make it ideal for hedges, screens, and specimen plantings.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright shrub to small tree; rounded canopy; dense branching
Height: Typically 5–20 ft (1.5–6 m); may reach 30 ft in mature specimens
Leaves: Opposite; small; rounded to oval; dark green; aromatic when crushed (nutmeg/citrus scent)
Bark: Smooth; reddish-brown; exfoliating in strips; ornamental in winter
Flowers: Small; bright white; fragrant; borne in terminal panicles; bloom year-round with peak in spring
Fruit: Red to orange berry; edible (mild flavor); attracts birds including mockingbirds and cardinals
Ecology: Supports pollinators and birds; hurricane wind resistant; larval host for native butterflies
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade
Watering: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Soil: Sandy, loamy, or limestone-based; well-drained; neutral to alkaline pH
Temperature: Hardy to ~25°F (–4°C); protect from prolonged frost
Humidity: High tolerance; ideal for subtropical and coastal gardens
Propagation: Seed; germinates readily when fresh
Tolerance: Drought, salt wind, urban conditions
 
Landscape Use Ideal for native hedges, foundation plantings, and wildlife gardens. Use as a specimen tree or clipped hedge in formal designs. Pairs well with Eugenia foetida, Simarouba glauca, and Coccoloba diversifolia.