Chiococca alba aka Milkberry

Chiococca alba is an evergreen shrub in the coffee family. Its common names include snowberry, milkberry, and David's root. Sources differ on the extent of its native range. Kew lists southern Florida and the Bahamas. Useful Tropical Plants gives a broader range, from Bolivia to Florida and the West Indies. It records the plant in moist tropical forests. Kew places it in seasonally dry tropical regions.

The plant makes a loose, rounded mound with scrambling stems. It can climb when a trellis or other support is near. It may also grow as a small tree. Florida garden plants spread 6–10 feet [1.8–3 metres]. Supported stems can reach 10 feet [3 metres] high. Other sources report heights of about 20 feet [6 metres]. PFAF gives a spread of 23 feet [7 metres]. Height depends on the support, and growth is moderate. Several stems often grow together, with thin green new shoots.

The leaves stay green throughout the year, without a fall colour change. They are dark green, glossy, and leathery. Each simple, egg-shaped leaf has a smooth edge and pinnate veins. Leaves sit opposite, or nearly opposite, along the stems. They measure 0.17–0.33 feet [0.05–0.10 metres] long. Tubular flowers grow in clusters where leaves meet the stems. Clusters measure about 0.25 feet [0.08 metres] long. Each bears six to eight flowers. The blooms start white and turn yellow as they age. Their scent develops as they mature. Flowers appear at intervals throughout the year. Fleshy white fruits follow and attract birds.

Snowberry grows in sun, though Florida guidance also permits partial shade. It needs soil that drains well and suits sandy loam. Sources also list clay and both acid and alkaline soils. PFAF favours moist soil, while Florida guidance reports strong drought tolerance. The Florida source places it in USDA zones 10–11. Plants near Florida's coast often survive with little care. Gardeners use it for trellises, espalier, foundation beds, and mass planting. It also works as a free-standing mound. Florida guidance does not list it as invasive. Roots rarely cause problems, and serious pests are uncommon. Chewing insects may cause damage, but the source reports no lethal attacks.

The sources list no known food uses or known hazards. This does not establish that people or pets can eat it safely. Records describe folk use for snake bites and several root remedies. The root can act as a strong purgative. These records describe past uses, not proof of safe treatment.