Red stopper grows in south Florida on limestone soils in coastal uplands as an understory tree. However, it is perfectly adapted to more open, sunny locations where it will flourish with little care once it becomes established. Several stems arise from the lower part of the tree forming a multiple trunked tree well adapted for many landscapes. Older trees grow to about 20 feet tall and wide.
Red stopper is an evergreen shrub or small tree with an oval crown that can reach an ultimate height of 6 metres, but is usually smaller. The bole can be 5 - 20cm in diameter.
The plant is sometimes gathered from the wild for its edible fruit and useful wood. A very ornamental plant, it is sometimes grown in gardens and used in amenity plantings.
Description:
Height: 15 to 20 feet,Spread: 10 to 15 feet,Plant habit: oval.Plant density: moderate.Growth rate: moderate,Texture: medium,
Foliage:Leaf arrangement: opposite/subopposite.Leaf type: simple.Leaf margin: entire.Leaf shape: ovate.
Leaf venation: none, or difficult to see.Leaf type and persistence: evergreen.Leaf blade length: less than 2 inches.
Leaf color: green.Fall color: no fall color change.Fall characteristic: not showy.
Flower:Flower color: white
Flower characteristic: year-round flowering
Fruit:Fruit shape: round.Fruit length: less than .5 inch.Fruit cover: fleshy.Fruit color: red; black.Fruit characteristic: suited for human consumption; attracts birds.
Trunk and Branches:
Trunk/bark/branches: showy; no thorns.Current year stem/twig color: brown.Current year stem/twig thickness: thin.Culture:
Light requirement: plant grows in part shade/part sun.Soil tolerances: acidic; alkaline; sand; loam; clay.Drought tolerance: high.Soil salt tolerances: unknown.Plant spacing: 36 to 60 inches.
