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West Indian Cherry Prunus
myrtifolia
West Indian Cherry is a decorative, small shade or
specimen tree, getting up to 25 feet high. Being a member of the rose family Rosaceae, which
also includes such edible fruits as apples, strawberries, cherries, and more, the West Indian Cherry
produces fruits guaranteed to bring birds into your garden.
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Profuse clusters of tiny white flowers with yellow centers
appear from November-January.
A delicately agreeable fragrance floats over the surrounding area. You breathe
in the gentle sweetness. It triggers your happiness glands,
brightening your mood.
You pluck a leaf from the tree, crush it and inhale deeply the fruity
smell, all part of the West Indian Cherry experience. |
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Flowers are primarily perfect, with both staminate and
pistilate parts, although some of the flowers at the base of the stem lack
the central ovary structure, as may be seen in the photo at left.
For this reason, the dual-form flowers of the West Indian Cherry are
classified as andromonoecious. |
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Birds enjoy the fruits, which, unfortunately, cannot be
eaten by humans. Not having a juicy luster, they are sufficiently
unappetizing to avoid temptation.
Grazing animals can become sick by eating the foliage, so
be careful about planting these close to your barn or corral. |
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West Indian Cherry is a component of hardwood hammocks throughout the
Caribbean, with limited distribution in the pinelands of South Florida.
The seeds were possibly left behind by a particular group of flocking
vacationers, creating a food source for later visits. |
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Left, 3-gal.; 3'-4' tall. |
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Right, 10-gal.; 6'+ ht. |
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Call for prices, or come by to visit them in person.
ken@plantcreations.com
Plant Creations, Inc.
305-248-8147
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