Guapira Discolor

Guapira Discolor (Blolly) is a small tree or large shrub common in coastal hammocks along the Florida east coast. It typically grows to a height of 10 to 25 feet or taller under ideal conditions. It displays  a compact, dense, round crown with branches that spread and can be as broad as it is tall. Blolly has a stout trunk with smooth, reddish-brown, gray-brown, or yellowish bark, often with patches of lichens. Moreover, leaves are simple, thick or thin, fleshy, light green, smooth, shiny, broad or narrowly elliptical and 1 – 2 inches long.

Also, flowers are tiny, yellow to green, unisexual, inconspicuous, and borne in clusters. Fruits are small, red, fleshy berries, oval, borne in clusters, and about 1/2 inch in diameter. Fruits are eaten by birds, and seeds and are for propagation. And wood is good for capentry.

In cultivation, Guapira Discolor (Blolly) does best in moist well-drained sandy or limestone soils with surface organic matter. It is a low maintenance plant once established; it takes well to pruning and can be formed into a small accent or specimen tree, or privacy hedge. The attractive foliage and fruits make this an excellent choice for a small garden, especially if native species are desired.