Myrcia citrifolia
Red Rodwood
Myrcia citrifolia
Myrcia citrifolia, Red Rodwood, has a large distribution from the Carribean throughout South America. This plants tend to be found in areas that are highly disturbed, making them a potential threat in tropical ecosystems. Due to it’s wide range, although, it is likely that it has the potential to do well in areas that are marginal in terms of their subtropical climate.
The plant is definitely worth growing due to it’s super vibrant pink foliage that makes it a serious stand out in the landscape. The foliage not only looks great, but has a pungent and fantastic citrus/myrtle-y scent. I wonder what the flower smell like! Not much information is online about them, although they have delicious, small fruits that are an absolute favorite of birds. Definitely one of those “bird food” species ;).
Family: Myrtaceae
Name: Myrcia citrifolia
Common Name / Native Name: Red-Rodwood, Blue Berry
Range: Disturbed areas from the Carribean throughout South America.
Sun: Full sun/part shade
Height: 6 feet
Width: 4 feet
Foliage: Large paddle shaped foliage that starts with vibrant pink new growth
Flower: Racemes of small white myrtaceous flowers
Fruit: Small purple/red fruits
Soil Type/ pH: Prefers Acidic soil
USDA Climate Zones: Unknown
Cold Hardiness: Undetermined
Edibility: A pleasant tasting myrtle with thin flesh.
Age to maturity: Unknown
Sources:
http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:165611-2
http://sweetgum.nybg.org/science/projects/saba/taxon-details/?irn=150624