Name: Guayabilla, cafecito

Botanical name: Samyda dodecandra

Description: A rare multitrunked shrub or small tree from dry evergreen forests of Mexico, Central America and the West Indies, guayabilla has pretty leaves and small flowers that range from whitish to pink and deep pink. The species name dodecandra means 12 stamens, and if you pull out a hand lens, you can check them out.

The flowers occur on the upper sides of the leaf axils, resembling pieces of blushing popcorn that seem to have landed out of nowhere. Salt tolerant, this evergreen shrub has veined leaves. Guayabilla is related to governor's plum and Ceylon gooseberry.

Height: 12 to 15 feet

Light: sun

Culture: If you have a mixed planting that could use a pretty and durable plant, guayabilla is a good candidate. It's especially useful where there are salt breezes. Plant in full sun in well-draining soil that gets moderate amounts of moisture. A controlled-release fertilizer once or twice a year will be adequate.

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