Woodbury’s Stopper

Scientific name: Eugenia woodburyana

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Vulnerable

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 59.68″ N, 64° 49′ 50.40″ W

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Observations:

Phenological Markers – Woodbury’s Stopper (Eugenia woodburyana)

Scientific Name: Eugenia woodburyana
Common Names: Woodbury’s Stopper
Family: Myrtaceae
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List; U.S. Endangered Species List)

Leaf Phenology

  • New Leaf Emergence: New leaves flush periodically, typically associated with the onset of the rainy season. Young leaves are lighter green or reddish.
  • Leaf Persistence: Evergreen species; mature leaves are leathery, dark green, and persist throughout the year.
  • Leaf Drop: Not pronounced; occasional senescence of older leaves, usually balanced by new growth.

Flowering Phenology

  • Flower Type: Small, white, fragrant flowers, typical of the Eugenia genus, usually in axillary clusters.
  • Flowering Period: Often observed during spring to early summer (April to July), though specific timing may vary with local conditions and rainfall.
  • Pollination Mechanism: Likely insect-pollinated, as with other stoppers; specific pollinators not well documented.

Fruiting Phenology

  • Fruit Type: Small, berry-like drupe; red to purple-black when mature.
  • Fruit Development: Follows flowering by several weeks; fruits typically mature by late summer or early fall (July to September).
  • Dispersal Mechanism: Probably dispersed by birds and other wildlife attracted to the fleshy fruit.
  • Seasonality: Fruiting is seasonal, not continuous, and may be irregular in stressed populations.

Observational Notes

  • Growth Habit: Small to medium-sized tree; part of dry to moist forest ecosystems in limited locations (notably in southern Puerto Rico).
  • Phenology Triggers: Flowering and fruiting are likely influenced by rainfall and seasonal temperature shifts.
  • Observation Tips: Document timing and abundance of flower and fruit production each year; monitor leaf flushes as indicators of health and hydration. Due to rarity, consistent monitoring can contribute valuable data to conservation.
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