Ochrosia elliptica
Sert. Austro-Caledon., 25, plate 30. 1824.
Shrubs or trees 1–6(–8) m. Leaves: petiole 0.5–2(–3) cm, glabrous; blade elliptic to obovate, (5–)7–14 × 2–6 cm, subcoriaceous, base cuneate, often decurrent on petiole, margins revolute, apex obtuse to broadly acute or rarely emarginate, surfaces glabrous. Peduncles 1.3–7 cm, glabrous. Pedicels 1–2 mm, glabrous. Flowers: calyx lobes ovate, 1.5–2.5 mm, glabrous; corolla glabrous abaxially, glabrous or occasionally eglandular-pubescent adaxially, tube 5–7 × 1–1.5 mm, throat 3–4 × 1.5–2 mm, lobes spreading, obliquely oblong to oblanceolate, 6–7 × 2–2.5 mm. Drupes 3.5–4 × 2–2.5 cm. Seeds 8–11 × 6–8 mm including wing. 2n = 20.
Phenology: Flowering and fruiting year-round.
Habitat: Coastal strands, disturbed sites.
Elevation: 0–10 m.
Distribution
Introduced; Fla., Pacific Islands (Nauru, New Caledonia, Vanuatu), Australia.
Discussion
Ochrosia elliptica is occasionally planted as an ornamental in coastal areas of southern Florida due to its salt tolerance and has become naturalized in Broward, Monroe, and Sarasota counties. The bright red fruits, which persist on the branches, are attractive but poisonous.
Selected References
None.