Malpighia glabra
Family: Malpighiaceae
Plant Description: Evergreen shrub to 2.3 m high with waxy, dense elliptic-lanceolate to ovate leaves 2-5 cm long. Flowers in terminal racemes, the petals 3-5 mm long, yellow aging to red.
Plant Trivia:
Field Identification: Dense foliage often growing in shaded areas. In full bloom is covered with the small, frilly pink flowers, which are followed by very attractive red drupes.
Occurrence: Frequent on caliche ridges or dry sand, thickets, brusyhlands, and palm groves in southern Coastal Prairie and southern Rio Grande Plains.
Bloom Period: March-December
Plant Use: Garden plant requiring little care and pruning. Fruit is edible and is sometimes made into preserves. The plant is often cultivated and makes a desirable shrub for gardens. White-tailed deer occasionally browse the leaves, and the coyote and raccoon eat the fruits.
stxflora 