Psychotria Species, Seminole Balsamo, Wild Coffee

These very attractive native plants grow wild and abundantly on my lot (Vero Beach, FL, barrier island between ocean and Indian River Lag...Read Moreoon, zone 10a, sandy and acidic soil). Growth is fast and height quickly reaches 5', 6' and even 8' in some places. In most instances on my lot these plants grow and seem to flourish under a thin, scattered canopy of oak trees and palm trees which provides diffuse sunlight for most of the day and perhaps one or two hours of direct sunlight. Most of the plants are in range of our irrigation system, so I don't how they would fare without a regular source of water, though in our neighborhood I see a lot of them that look a bit scraggly and thin compared to the full, robust specimens in my yard. Both foliage and berries are attractive, and it appears that birds love the seeds and then drop them around so the plants pop up here and there with no effort on my part. Unfortunately, the random seeding means that some plants have shown up in areas where they block views or interfere with other plantings, which means I will have to remove them entirely or see if they can be transplanted. The plant has a full habit and grows thickly from front to back and side to side so, while it could theoretically provide a nice visual barrier from a neighboring property, it has such a large footprint that it is not suitable for small spaces nor for a formal hedge. I don't know how it would do trimmed like a hedge because I can't bring myself to cut it. I don't fertilize these plants or do anything special for them--they literally grow like weeds, very attractive weeds.

This is such an easy and attractive plant to grow here in it's native range of South Florida. I have it growing under some sun dappled sh...Read Moreade in well drained soil which seems to be the perfect environment. It also grows in shore line hammocks in this area, but will get leggy and is bothered by some bugs

No bugs or disease bother it in my yard which is 5 miles inland and it has plenty of fragrant flowers and red berries, growing about 5 lush feet tall and rarely needs trimming. It has tolerated our drought as well it tolerates lots of rain and humidity. I don't irrigate it.

My understanding is that it's not a false coffee, but rather an inferior type for culinary use. Early settlers in Florida drank it as coffee.

I have it planted under an areca palm's shade. The leaves are glossy green and very pretty. Since May 1st is has been in bloom and ther...Read Moree are all kinds of butterflies around it. The scent is pretty strong and kind of fruity, musty. I can't say I enjoy the scent but I sure do love the way the plant looks. I live in North Miami and I have had it over 10 years.

Grows wild all over Central Florida. One of the more common understory shrubs east of Orlando. Vouchered specimens all the way up into Du...Read Moreval and Alachua counties in North Florida.