Illustrator: Barbara Alongi

Copyright: Flora of North America Association

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

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

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.

Lower Taxa

None.