Psychotria nervosa.
 
Wild Coffee is a low growing, evergreen shrub with shiny, pleated, dark green leaves that can be found growing in Florida hammocks and pinelands throughout much of the state.

Native Americans brewed wild coffee beans for ceremonies and medicinal purposes, but wild coffee isn’t considered palatable today, nor does it contain caffeine. Instead, the plant is a favorite of landscapers and homeowners because of its contrasting green leaves and red berries, along with its pleasing fragrance.

The name 'wild coffee' is derived from the appearance of the berries, which resemble true coffee beans.

In regards to its scientific name, the genus Psychotria comes from the Greek psyché, which means “life” or “soul" and may refer to the medicinal properties of some plants within the genus. The species epithet nervosa is from the Latin nervosus, meaning “sinewy,” and likely refers to the plant’s conspicuous veination.

Clusters of small white flowers emerge from the branch tips in spring and summer, with the bright, ruby red berries forming in late summer and early fall.

Grows to between 4 and 10 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet in width. When fully grow the plant resembles a small tree.

Does best in partial to full shade, and has moderate tolerance to both drought and salt.
Birds (mockingbirds, blue jays, cardinals, and many others) and other wildlife are attracted to wild coffee fruits, while the flowers are one of the nectar sources for the rare Atala butterfly found primarily in southeast Florida.

The Florida State Butterfly, zebra longwing, is also quite fond of the flowers!

A stunning plant that will make an excellent addition to any butterfly garden.

Note that these seeds were harvested from berries hand-picked off wild coffee plants in Sarasota County, FL.