Eugenia axillaris

This is an evergreen shrub or small tree, with smooth grayish-white bark with small, white, fragrant flowers. The leaves are opposite, glossy, and simple. The green fruit turns red to black upon maturity. When there is a little breeze, the air near these plants is often perfumed with the odor of skunk, which emanates from the leaves.

Wildlife – Fruits are eaten by birds and probably by mammals, thus spreading the seeds.

The Seminoles historically used the stems for bows. A decoction of white stopper is used to treat colds and for “building up men’s energy and body.” The wood is hard and rot-resistant and is used in fences and local carpentry.