Randia aculeata

Native to southern Florida and the Caribbean, and from Mexico to northern South America, this evergreen shrub or small tree has thorny branches and small, leathery leaves. In southern Florida, it typically grows about 6 to 10 feet tall and produces small, fragrant white flowers throughout the year. Its white, fleshy fruits attract birds. It tolerates drought and some salt spray. Its flowers provide nectar for butterflies, and its leaves feed the caterpillars of the tantalus sphinx moth. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Photographed in Bogotá, Colombia.