Maiden Berry (Crossopetalum rhacoma)

Regular price $21.95
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Shipping calculated at checkout.
5 in stock

Pot Size
The Maiden Berry, also known as Rhacoma, is a perennial evergreen fruiting shrub native to Florida. A member of the Celastraceae or “staff-vine” family, it is related to the Spindle Tree and American Bittersweet. A perfectly ornamental shrub, the Maiden Berry’s arching stems of leathery leaves grow small reddish flower clustering no higher than 10 ft. high. Blooms and fruits mature year-round, and the berries mature to sweet, bright maroon drupes devoured primarily by the birds. Roots and leaves can be harvested into a tea for promoting urination for kidney and bladder health. They are a rare and beloved tree, especially in south Florida, where they grow naturally in hammocks by the coast. These drought tolerant Maiden Berry shrub don’t enjoy salt, yet can still be found in areas very close to the ocean breeze. They grow gorgeous bonsai and make for colorful landscaping.

Common Names:
Maiden Berry,  Maravedi rhacoma, Florida Crossopetalum


Traditional Uses: 
Culinary, Folk Medicine


Native to:
Florida


Plant Type:
Perennial Evergreen Fruiting Shrub 


Harvest Season:
Year round

 

Mature Size:
Up to 10 ft. tall


Soil & Moisture:
Rich, well-draining limestone or clay soils. Drought tolerant. 


Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade


Self-Fertile: 
Yes


Growth Rate: 
Moderate to Slow


Zone Hardiness: 
Outdoors 10-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ 


Propagation:
Our Maiden Berries are grown from seed and are capable of harvest after 1-3 years.

Did you know all of our plants come in plantable coconut coir pots or recyclable nursery pots? 🌱 Our eco-friendly coir pots make planting a breeze—just pop them straight into the ground or a bigger pot! And our recyclable nursery pots are perfect for reusing in your garden or recycling responsibly. Want to learn more about our plant sizes, pot materials, and how to grow them?
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Checkout the Full Guide Here

Curious about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Whether you’re gardening in sunny Florida or snowy Alaska, our latest blog breaks down how to find your Zone, what it really means, and why it shouldn’t limit your plant dreams! Learn how to grow tropical and subtropical plants anywhere with tips for container gardening, greenhouses, and more. 👉 Read the full blog here!

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Important Shipping Information:

Sow Exotic ships nationwide year-round to the United States.  We use plant-based, plastic-free, reusable, recyclable, biodegradable, AND compostable packaging materials. All of our plants ship ready-to-grow in plantable pots (with the exception of citrus) and range in size.  See the size guide on each plant page to learn more about what to expect upon arrival.

Shipping & Handing Cost
Shipping cost is calculated at checkout based on your order weight and your distance from the nursery. Shipping is combined for multiple orders with plants, so the more you grow, the more you save!  

Order Processing & Shipping Schedule
Live plant orders are processed at the beginning of each week and ship on Monday-Thursday via 1-3 Day USPS Priority Mail. Order processing time before shipment changes seasonally and averages from same day shipping to up to 14 days depending on season. (Spring is busiest!). Expected delivery date and lead time is shown at checkout.

Tracking Your Order
As soon as you place your order, you will receive order confirmation and a link to your Order Status Page.  You can view and track your orders progress online any time via your Order Status Page!

When your order ships, we'll send you a shipping confirmation and tracking info to let you know it's on it's way! We'll also send you delivery confirmation as soon as your order has been dropped off!

You can sign up for additional order status/tracking alerts on your Order Status Page.

Heat Packs & Weather Holds:

Heat Packs
Shipping tropical plants to a cold climate in the middle of winter? We sell Heat Packs! If it's under 32 degrees in your area, we definitely recommend ordering a Heat Pack! Visit our Heat Packs page to learn more and purchase your heat pack. 

Weather Holds
Waiting for the perfect time to plant? You can order now and request a custom weather hold until your preferred arrival date.  Please email care@sowexotic.com to request a custom hold. 

Local Pickup at the Nursery:

Available for all plants!

Shipping to Hawaii & Puerto Rico & Minor Outlying Islands:

We ship to Puerto Rico! Due to USDA restrictions, here's the list of a plants that we don't ship. 

Plants that DO NOT ship to Puerto Rico: Coffee, Palm, Banana  

Plants that DO NOT ship to Hawaii: Pineapple, Palm, Papaya, Coffee, Banana, Passion Fruit

For more frequently asked questions visit our Help Center.

Plants Shipped
in Plantable Pots

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