Varnish Leaf

(Dodonaea viscosa)

This plant is native to Florida. The shiny green leaves have a varnished appearance that gives this plant its most widely used common name. The resinous coating is a protection against water loss. This allows the plants to be exceptionally drought tolerant. The yellowish-green flowers are borne in small clusters appearing summer and fall. The pendent fruit emerge green, turn yellow-green, then pink and red, and then brown as they mature.

Information Provided by the Friends of Barefoot Beach Preserve
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