Full of Flowers

Tropical plants tend to have far less allegiance to the “Seasons” than temperate plants. The Simpson’s stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) was flush with fragrant flowers when we visited the South Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (ORCA) on 6-11-2023 looking for Florida butterfly orchids (Encyclia tampensis). Spring and early summer are the peak flowering time, but flowering can occur throughout the year. Sometimes, flowering and fruiting can be simultaneous.

In full sun as in the landscape at the Indian River Mosquito Control District (IRMCD) the Simpson’s stoppers were abuzz with European honeybees (Apis melliifera) on 7-7-2023. Notice the juicy red fruits along with the flowers …

The fruits are borne in pairs giving rise to he common name twinberry stopper. Each fruit contains 1 to 4 soft green seeds that germinate readily if planted immediately.

Simpson’s stoppers often are found growing in association with Indian middens (mounds). The moist fruits likely were consumed by aboriginal peoples.

Now, Simpson’s stopper is a not uncommon landscape plant. So, look for it in commercial and residential landscapes flowering and fruiting throughout the year, as well as in natural areas.