Eugenia foetida facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eugenia foetida
Scientific classification
Genus:	Eugenia
Species:	foetida

Eugenia foetida is a plant that belongs to the myrtle family, also known as Myrtaceae. People often call it "Spanish stopper" or "boxleaf stopper."

This plant grows all year long. You can find it in the shady areas of mangrove forests, along the coast in hammocks, and on sand dunes. It is common in central and southern Florida, and also in the Bahamas.

What it Looks Like

The Spanish stopper is usually a small tree. Its leaves grow in pairs, one across from the other. The top side of the leaves is a dark green color. The bottom side is a lighter green. The leaves are shaped like a spoon, wider at the tip and narrower at the base. The tip of the leaf is usually rounded or blunt.

The scientific name foetida comes from a Latin word. It means "fetid" or "unpleasant smelling." This name refers to the smell of the plant's flowers.

Where it Grows

This plant loves warm, coastal places. It is often found in the understory, which means it grows beneath taller trees. It thrives in places like mangrove forests and coastal hammocks. These are special types of forests found near the ocean. It also grows on sand dunes, which are sandy hills formed by the wind.