Wild coffee
Psychotria nervosa

One of our most shade tolerant shrubs, with shiny, dark green leaves and red berries. Grows to six feet or more in rich hammock soil.

Should be protected from continuous direct sun and wind. The soil should be rich and moist.

Although it can take long periods of drought, this is the first plant to show wilt. Just give it a little water and it will perk up within the hour. Long periods of drought may cause some of the upper portion to die back. When rains come, the plant quickly regains its height.

The white flowers are showy in late summer and attract many pollinators. The red berries brighten the yard in late fall and early winter. These are edible, but not very tastey. Birds love them.

This is a little too fast growing to make a foundation planting. Try as a specimen on the corner or windowless portions of the north or east sides of the house. A mixed hedge under shade may consist of wild coffee, marlberry, white, spanish and simpson stoppers and mysine.

These also look nice along the outer portion of a densely planted grove of hammock trees. In this situation, blend in snowberry, beautyberry, wild plumbago, Jamaica caper and other hammock species to capture the look of a coastal hammock.