Description
Guettarda shaferi (also called Shafer's Guettarda, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree native to tropical regions of the Americas. It has large, oval leaves and small, white flowers. It grows in open areas and along roadsides.
Uses & Benefits
Guettarda shaferi is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, headaches, and skin diseases.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Flower: small, white, fragrant, with 5 petals. Seed: small, black, round. Seedlings: thin, green, with long, narrow leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Guettarda shaferi is a tropical shrub that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate some salt spray. Prune regularly to maintain shape and size.