Simpson Stopper

Simpson's stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America, known for its fragrant white flowers, edible red-orange berries, and peeling reddish bark. It is widely used in landscaping as a low-maintenance privacy hedge or wildlife garden plant.

Plant Characteristics 
• Size: Grows 10 to 20 feet tall (dwarf varieties reach about 5 feet).
• Flowers: Showy, tiny white clusters with a sweet fragrance similar to jasmine.
• Fruit: Edible red to orange berries (twinberries) that attract local birds and wildlife.
• Foliage: Glossy, dark green, and highly aromatic when crushed.

Care and Growing Conditions 
• Light: Thrives best in full sun to partial shade.
• Hardiness: Cold-hardy down to about 25°F.
• Tolerance: Highly drought-tolerant once established and resistant to coastal salt spray and high winds.
• Maintenance: Slow-growing with minimal upkeep required; can be pruned into a formal hedge or left natural