Myrtle-of-the-river
Calyptranthes syzygium

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree. It grows 10 m high. The bark has rough furrows. The leaves are oval and 5-8 cm long. They are glossy and have an aroma. The leaf stalk is short. It has white stamens arranged in a ring. The flowers have a scent. The flower panicles are branched in clusters of 3. The fruit is a red berry. It becomes blue-black and waxy.

There are about 200 Calyptranthes species. They are trees and shrubs in tropical America.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It does well in seasonally moist and dry climates. It needs an average, well-drained soil. It can grow in full sun or part shade. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Bahamas, Caribbean, Central America, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, North America, Puerto Rico, USA, West Indies (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Araijan blanco, Escoba

Synonyms

Myrtus zuzygium L., Calyptranthes suzugium Sw.; Calyptranthes syzigium (Sw.) Willd.;