Psychotria nervosa aka Wild Coffee

Psychotria nervosa is an evergreen shrub in the coffee family, Rubiaceae. Its common names include wild coffee and Seminole balsamo. It grows wild in Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America. Its range also reaches Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. It lives in damp lowland woods and thickets. Some plants grow higher in Guatemala, though most stay at lower sites.

In gardens, it grows 4–10 feet [1.22–3.05 m] tall. Its spread reaches 4–8 feet [1.22–2.44 m]. Useful Tropical Plants reports heights up to 11.5 feet [3.5 m]. The shrub has a rounded shape and a moderate growth rate. Several trunks or grouped stems form its base. New twigs are green, while the bark adds little visual interest. Deep shade can produce a small tree with an open crown.

The glossy, dark green leaves remain on the plant year-round. They grow in opposite or nearly opposite pairs. Each simple leaf has smooth edges and pinnate veins. The blades are oval to narrow, with a wider tip. Sunken veins give the upper surface a puckered look. Fine hairs line the veins beneath each leaf. Small white flowers grow in clusters at the branch tips. UF/IFAS lists spring and summer bloom. Useful Tropical Plants reports possible flowering and fruiting throughout the year. The small, fleshy fruits turn red and draw birds. Their oval shape recalls the fruit of true coffee.

Partial or full shade suits this shrub in gardens. Useful Tropical Plants also reports growth in full sun. UF/IFAS warns that full sun can cause yellow leaves. Sun-grown plants also tend to stay smaller. The plant accepts sand, loam, or clay with good drainage. It tolerates both acid and alkaline soils. It has moderate drought tolerance but poor salt tolerance. UF/IFAS places it in USDA zones 10b–11. Cold can harm it, so plants farther north need protection.

Wild coffee works as a hedge, border shrub, or foundation plant. Gardeners can also use it alone, in groups, or as an espalier. It accepts clipping and can form a backdrop for other shrubs. Birds and other wildlife visit for its fruit. UF/IFAS reports no major pest or disease concerns. Roots seldom cause trouble, and the species has no known invasive tendency. Useful Tropical Plants records raw fruit pulp as edible. It also notes the seeds as a coffee substitute. That source lists no known hazards, but gives no detailed safety assessment.