Native to pinelands and coastal thickets of southeastern US, this wiry evergreen shrub is a member of the cocoplum family, Chrysobalanaceae, that consists of about 700 species of pantropical shrubs and trees. The plants grow 3″ to 12″ tall and slowly spread by rhizomes to form colonies that may be close together or widely spaced. The dark green, oblanceolate leaves are leathery, about 4″ long, and finely veined. From spring into summer, erect, terminal panicles of triangular-shaped cymes appear bearing small yellow flowers that attract many pollinators and produce a whitish to brown, single seeded, edible fruit in late summer . The fruit is considered tasteless to humans but appeals to wildlife especially the gopher tortoise. Gopher apple is a good choice for a groundcover, stabilizing soil and controlling erosion in sandy areas and is useful in seaside , native plant, butterfly, and wildlife gardens. The genus name, Licania, is of unknown origin but may be an anagram of a Caribbean name or of a local French name. The specific epithet, mixhauxii, honores French botanist and explorer André Michaux (1746–1802), known for his study of North American flora.
Type: Shrub
Outstanding Feature: Foliage, fruit
Form: Ground-hugging
Growth Rate: Very slow
Bloom: Terminal clusters of small yellow flowers from spring into summer
Size: 3″-12″ H
Light: Full sun
Soil: Sandy, dry to moderately moist, well-drained; tolerant of drought, lean soil, wind, and salt spray but not salt water
Hardiness: Zones 8-11
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: Lopesia galls
Propagation: Seed, division; difficult to transplant
Outstanding Selections: None available
Karen Meyers