Family: Myrtaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Myrcianthes fragrans (Simpson stopper) is a small to medium-sized evergreen shrub or tree native to Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and parts of northern South America. It typically grows in coastal hammocks, dry forests, and rocky areas, where it develops a dense, attractive form. The plant is known for its glossy green leaves, small fragrant white flowers, and bright red to orange edible berries that are popular with birds and other wildlife. In landscaping, Simpson stopper is widely valued as a hedge, screening plant, or accent tree due to its dense foliage, salt tolerance, and ability to withstand pruning and shaping.

Risks & Threats
Simpson stopper is considered low risk and is not known to be invasive in Hawaii or other tropical regions where it is cultivated. It does not spread aggressively and tends to stay well-behaved in managed landscapes and natural areas. Its fruit is primarily dispersed by birds, but seedlings are not known to form dense or problematic populations. Overall, this species is regarded as a safe ornamental choice for tropical and subtropical gardens, offering ecological benefits such as wildlife food and habitat without posing significant threats to native ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate tolerance (USDA zones 9B–11; 0–2600 m elevation)
  
• Tolerates shade, sun, and a wide range of soil types
  
• Intentionally planted as an ornamental
  
• Bird-dispersed seeds that survive gut passage
  
• Produces viable seed

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of naturalization or weediness
  
• No congeneric invasive species
  
• No spines, thorns, toxicity, or allelopathy
  
• No vegetative reproduction or dense thicket formation
  
• Slow growth, slow to mature, low seed production
  
• No external seed attachment structures
  
• Not wind-dispersed
  
• Not a major pest/pathogen host