White Stopper

Title

White Stopper

Author(s)

Ethan H. Freid

Scientific Name

Eugenia axillaris (Sw.) Willd.

Description

Common Names

White Stopper, Wattle, Stopper Bush

Myrtaceae

Eugenia axillaris grows as a large shrub to small tree up to 9 meters in height with a trunk to 30 cm in diameter. The leaves are arranged oppositely, to 8 cm in length, ovate to elliptic with an acuminate leaf apex and entire leaf margin. The petioles are a red color as well as are the young developing leaves. The leaves have very faint pellucid-punctate dots and will release a menthol type odor when crushed.

The actinomorphic flowers are arranged in short racemes in the axils of leaves. The calyx has 4 green unfused sepals. The corolla has 4 white unfused petals. There are numerous stamens. The ovary is inferior with 2 locules and numerous seeds. The fruit is a berry that turns reddish black at maturity.

Eugenia axillaris grows in Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formations – Forest/Woodlands/Shrublands/Dwarf Shrublands (coppice- all types).

Eugenia axillaris occurs on all island groups in the Bahamian Archipelago as well as Florida, the Caribbean region and Mexico south to South America.

Eugenia axillaris is used in the Bahamas to treat gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea), respiratory issues, and pain, as well as general strengthening teas for men and a bathing solution for women.

The fruits are sweet and edible when ripe.

The species is part of the horticultural industry and is great for attracting birds.