Byrsonima lucida, commonly known as Long Key Locustberry, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to coastal hammocks, pine rocklands, and sandy soils of the Caribbean and the Florida Keys. It typically grows to a height and width of 5-15 feet (1.5-4.6 meters), with a dense, rounded form. The plant features small, glossy green leaves and produces showy clusters of flowers that transition from white to pink and red as they mature, blooming in the spring and summer months. The flowers are followed by small, yellow to orange fruits that are attractive to wildlife.

Long Key Locustberry is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to thrive in challenging coastal conditions, including poor, rocky soils and salt spray. It is used in native plant gardens, as a specimen plant, or for natural landscaping in coastal areas. This species is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to scale insects and should be monitored for infestations.CC BY-SA 4.0