Randia
(White Indigo Berry)
Randia aculeata
Plant Family: Rutaceae
Leaves: Opposite, simple, obovate to elliptic, to 6 cm, tend to crowd toward the twig ends, sharp stipules may be present where leaf meets twig. The twigs are held at a 45-degree angle off the main stem.
Bark: Gray, rough and blocky on older trees, the branches are often thorny.
Flowers: Dioecious, white, with five petals, fragrant, some appear directly on the branches, others in the leaf axils, at any time of year, peaking in the spring and summer months.
Fruits: A rounded green berry, to 1 cm, ripening to white, with blue-black pulp, usually seen fall into winter. The berries were formerly used to make dye and ink.
Habitat: Pinelands, sandy soils, hammock edges. Randia is drought resistant and salt tolerant, making it a hardy specimen in coastal plantings.
Growth Form: Shrub to small tree.
Key Features: The combination of small, obovate leaves and the twigs held at a 45-degree angle will distinguish Randia from other opposite leaved species.
Comments: Randia is a variable species, some trees lack leaf stipules or will have larger leaves and fruits.
