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Meet the Natives: White Indigo Berry
The white indigo berry (Randia aculeata) is a hardy, medium-sized shrub that can be found in coastal habitats in Central and South Florida.
It grows natively in coastal hammocks and pine rocklands in full sun to part shade, and sandy to rocky soils.
“They are drought-tolerant, salt spray-tolerant, and can handle nutrient-poor soils, making them a great addition to South Florida gardens,” said SCCF Native Landscapes & Garden Center Assistant Sophie Carpenter.
Typically, white indigo berry grows to about 10 feet tall and around 3 feet to 6 feet wide; these plants are moderate to slow growers. They are evergreen and have entire, round, glossy leaves, and they bloom year round, producing small white flowers.
Although small, their flowers are very fragrant, and produce a light sweet scent.
“As their name suggests, white indigo berry produces unique, showy white berries with ‘indigo’-colored pulp that was historically used to create a blue dye,” Carpenter said.
White indigo berry’s fragrant flowers attract both butterflies and bees, while the berries feed various bird species. White indigo berry is also the larval host plant for the unique tantalus sphinx moths (Aellopus tantalus).
“Incorporate white indigo berry into your garden as an attractive and resilient specimen tree, or use it as a border plant for hedges,” Carpenter said. “Oftentimes, the branches contain small thorns so make sure to wear gloves when planting.”
Purchase white indigo berry at SCCF’s Native Landscapes & Garden Center, located at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL.