Family: Flacourtiaceae (Flacourtia Family)

Native range: Southern Asia and Madagascar.

Description: A large shrub or small tree, usually with sharp spines in the leaf axils, and glossy, short-petioled leaves with scalloped indentations on the leaf margins. Leaves are ovate to elliptic, 2 to 2 1/2 inches long. Small, yellowish flowers are produced in clusters from the leaf axils. Fruit are round, purplish, 3/4-inch diameter berries with numerous small seeds.

Ecological threat: Governor’s plum principally invades the margins and canopy gaps of hardwood forests as well as disturbed sites. It is not widespread in Florida but in areas where it does occur it can form large populations. It spreads from seed dispersed by raccoons and opossum, and perhaps also by birds.

Distribution in Florida: Central and southern Florida, sparingly in the Florida Keys.

Background: Introduced as a fruit tree for its edible fruit. Although attractive, it has not gained popularity as a landscape subject because of its sharp spines and fruit that can stain walkways.