spicewood

Calyptranthes pallens

Small evergreen tree with opposite branching and simple leaves with entire margins

Key features for identification: small tree/large shrub with opposite leaves growing in a single plane on each branch, leaves at wide (nearly 90 degree) angle from branch

Mature size: 15-20 feet, taller than wide

Typical natural location: hardwood hammocks

Typical landscape location: occasional use for buffers, trees in tight locations

Branch arrangement, structure, other features: opposite branching, typically multi-stemmed, branches very thin

Bark texture, color, other features: bark smooth and gray/light brown

Leaf structure, shape, color, size, persistence, other features: leaves evergreen, 1-3 inches long by 0.5-1 inch wide, solitary, elliptic with acute tip, margins entire, growing at near 90-degree angle from stem, new growth reddish

Flower color, size, form, arrangement, blooming period, persistence, other features: white to beige, small, light fragrance, blooms in spring and summer

Fruit size, color (early/ripe), form, persistence, time of year, other features: round, yellow red and black

Root features: no prominent roots

Key features for identification: leaves growing at near 90-degree angle to stem, new growth reddish, stems very thin, branching opposite

Similar species/often confused with:

Torchwood (Amyris elemifera)
Similar features: overall size, growth form, growing locations, leaf size
Distinguished by: torchwood has compound leaves with three leaflets, new growth on spicewood is red

Spanish stopper (Eugenia foetida)
Similar features:
Distinguished by:

Whole plant/form

Leaves

Flowers

Fruit

Bark & Twigs

Variations, Key ID features

External links:

Institute for Regional Conservation:
https://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Calypall