Family: Myrtaceae
Author: (Sw.) Willd.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 4. 2: 960 (1799)
Year: 1799
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Eugenia
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: C. & S. Florida to Caribbean, Mexico to C. America
Description
The White Stopper, scientifically known as Eugenia axillaris, is a noteworthy species found predominantly in Central and South Florida extending through the Caribbean and reaching from Mexico to Central America. This plant, from the Myrtaceae family, flourishes in subtropical and tropical regions, showcasing its adaptability and geographical diversity.
The White Stopper is recognized for its ornamental beauty and its utility in native landscaping. It typically manifests as a shrub or small tree, often characterized by its attractive white flowers and dark green leaves which emit a pungent odor when crushed — a unique feature that historically contributed to its common name. The flowers of Eugenia axillaris are small yet significant due to their contribution to the local ecosystem, providing nectar for various pollinators. Upon maturation, the plant bears small, red to black berries that are not only visually striking but also serve as a food source for wildlife.
Renowned for its hardiness and low-maintenance requirements, the White Stopper is utilized in urban and suburban planting due to its resistance to pests and diseases. Its capacity to thrive in poor soil conditions and resistance to drought make it an excellent choice for environmentally sustainable gardening practices. Furthermore, Eugenia axillaris plays a critical role in coastal erosion control and as a component of native habitats in the regions it populates.
Historically, Eugenia axillaris was described in detail in the publication “Species Plantarum” (4th edition), volume 2, page 960, in the year 1799, by the esteemed botanist who utilized the nomenclature based on observations from its native regions. The author’s designation, (Sw.) Willd., connects the detailed botanical work initiated by Olof Swartz and later expanded by Carl Ludwig Willdenow.
In summary, the White Stopper, or Eugenia axillaris, is a versatile and ecologically significant plant that holds both aesthetic and functional benefits for the environments it inhabits, highlighting its importance in botanical studies and practical applications in eco-friendly landscaping in tropical and subtropical regions.
Common Names
Eng: white stopper, choaky berry, pigeon berry
En: White stopper, Choaky Berry, Pigeon Berry
Synonyms
- Eugenia yumuryensis (O.Berg)
- Eugenia axillaris var. microcarpa (Krug & Urb.)
- Eugenia anthera (Small)
- Eugenia guadalupensis (DC.)
- Myrtus divaricata (Ham.)
- Eugenia minimiflora (Lundell)
- Eugenia cozumelensis (Lundell)
- Psidiastrum dubium (Bello)
- Eugenia guttata (Lundell)
- Eugenia matanzensis (O.Berg)
- Myrtus baruensis ((Jacq.) Spreng.)
- Eugenia axillaris var. cozumelensis ((Lundell) Lundell)
- Eugenia carthagenensis var. baruensis (Jacq.)
- Eugenia cabanisiana (O.Berg)
- Eugenia itzana (Lundell)
- Eugenia carthagenensis var. myrtifolia (Jacq.)
Distribution
- Bahamas (native)
- Belize (native)
- Bermuda (native)
- Cayman Is. (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Florida (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Southwest Caribbean (native)
- Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Jul 20, 2022 by vifarmer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 6, 2011 by EOL − Homer Edward Price (cc-by)
Habit
Taken Jan 6, 2011 by EOL − Homer Edward Price (cc-by)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5416259)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:593690-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eugenia axillaris (Sw.) Willd.)
