Miconia laevigata

'Smooth Johnnyberry' is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub, reaching 10 to 12 feet in height, with a native range from Mexico to Tropical America. It has distinctive leaves with three to five longitudinal ribs. Butterflies visit the showy white flowers which are produced in large terminal racemes during the summer, followed by black fruits in the late fall. The fruits are much sought after by birds. This Caribbean species is similar looking to South Florida's native Tetrazegia bicolor, both of the family Melastomataceae. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. (Pot size: 1 gallon)