Native to the Caribbean, Byrsonima lucida is a shrub commonly found in coastal hammocks, pine rocklands, and well-drained sandy soils. This species, also known as locustberry, can grow to a height of 6 to 20 feet, forming a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are simple, leathery, and elliptical with smooth edges and a glossy dark green upper surface, adapting the plant to withstand high light levels, wind, and salt spray common in its natural coastal habitat. The bark is grayish and becomes furrowed with age. The flowers are small, about 0.5 inches across, and grow in clusters (racemes) at the ends of branches. A distinctive trait of Byrsonima lucida is its combination of colors—flowers may open white or pale pink and then transition to deep pink or red as they age, with bright yellow stamens adding contrast. The plant produces small, round drupes that turn reddish to purplish when ripe and are consumed by birds and other wildlife, aiding in seed dispersal. Photograph in Florida.