Twinberry, Simpson's stopper
Myrcianthes fragrans

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 6 m tall. The bark is smooth. The leaves are narrowly oval and 8 cm long. The leaves are dark green. They have a nutmeg scent. The flowers are small and white. The fruit are red. They are 1 cm across.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in moist forests. It suits USDA hardiness zone 9B.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Bahamas, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Central America (country/location of origin), Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Lesser Antilles, Martinique, Mexico (country/location of origin), Nicaragua, North America, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, South America (country/location of origin), USA, Venezuela, West Indies

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Arrayan, Bwa denn, Bwa dinn, Bwa milat, Bwa rogou, Coquillo, Gauguel, Guayabacon, Guayabillo, Guayabito, Mit fey lorie, Ozia, Peralejo, Pimienta, Pimientilla, Wawall, Zebra wood

Synonyms

Anamomis fragrans (Sw.) Griseb.; Anamomis grandis Britton; Anamomis guayabillo (A. Rich.) Griseb.; Anamomis lucayana Britton; Anamomis punctata Griseb.; Eugenia fajardensis (Krug & Urb.) Urb.; Eugenia fragrans (Sw.) Willd.; Eugenia fragrans (Sw.) Willd. var. brachyrrhiza Krug & Urb.; Eugenia granulata O. Berg.; Eugenia guayabillo A. Rich.; Eugenia lucayana (Britton) Alain; Myrtus fragrans Sw.; Myrtus guayabillo (A. Rich.) C. Wright; and others