Calyptranthes pallens

Spicewood is a card-carrying member of the prestigious Myrtle family of flowering trees and shrubs, and has all of the best characteristics that made the family famous in the first place, such as attractive form, fragrant flowers, and fruits favored by birds. This branch of the family settled in Tropical America and the Caribbean area, with some having established residence in the hammocks of South Florida.



	Flowers appear at the beginning of the rainy season. Their fragrance escapes from hundreds of tiny blossoms to form a cloud that hovers over the area. It lazily drifts downwind, and as you approach, is drawn by inhalation up your nostrils. The sensation of the agreeable aroma registers pleasantly in your brain. You think, "Hey, I've got to get a few more of these spicewood."


If left alone, spicewood develops into a shrubby tree under 20 in height. With annual trimming, you can keep yours at whatever height fits the location, from 4' and up. In the photos above and at right, are spicewoods in 20-gal. containers. Call for sizes currently available.

Last updated: 01/22/2008