Casasia clusiifolia aka Seven Year Apple

Casasia clusiifolia, or seven year apple, belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This evergreen shrub can also form a small tree. Its native range includes southern Florida, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Cuba. In Florida, it grows on coastal dunes and in coastal hammocks. It grows slowly and forms a dense, rounded crown. Garden plants reach 8–20 feet [2.4–6.1 metres] tall. Their spread reaches 8–15 feet [2.4–4.6 metres].

Several trunks or clustered stems often support the crown. New shoots are green and thick. The large leaves give the plant a coarse texture. Each leaf is simple, with pinnate veins and rolled-under edges. The obovate blade widens toward its outer end. Glossy, leathery leaves cluster near the tips of branches. They measure about 0.33–0.67 feet [0.10–0.20 metres] long. The foliage stays green, with no autumn color change.

White flowers with pink tips grow in clusters beside the leaves. Their strong, sweet scent draws butterflies and moths. Most blooms appear in spring and early summer. Scattered flowers may appear at other times of year. The species is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. Female plants need a nearby male to set fruit. Fleshy, oval fruits take about a year to ripen. Some stay on the plant for longer than a year. Their slow ripening gave rise to the common name. Green fruits turn yellow, then black and wrinkled. Mockingbirds eat the pulp and leave empty skins behind.

Grow seven year apple in full sun or partial shade. It needs soil that drains well and tolerates drought. Sandy and loamy soils suit it, whether acidic or alkaline. It also withstands salt spray and some storm surge. UF/IFAS lists it for USDA zones 10b–11b. Its dense foliage suits hedges, screens, and borders. It also works near patios and in coastal planting schemes. For a hedge, space plants 4–5 feet [1.2–1.5 metres] apart. Roots seldom cause trouble, and major pest or disease problems are uncommon. UF/IFAS does not list it as invasive.

People eat the ripe fruit pulp raw, despite its many seeds. The soft pulp has a jelly-like texture and a licorice-like taste. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known hazards or medicinal uses. That does not establish safety for pets or every plant part. People also gather its wood for local use. The heartwood is dark brown to reddish, hard, heavy, and close-grained.