Malpighia coccigera

dwarf holly

A dense group of dwarf holly plants, Malpighia coccigera, standing about a foot tall between some large coral stones and the entrance sign by the road at The Botanic Gardens at Kona Kai Resort in Key Largo, Florida

Although it has holly-like leaves, this plant is not a true holly (in the genus Ilex). It does best in direct sun or partial shade and is often used as a bonsai specimen.

A close-up of two white flowers of a dwarf holly plant, Malpighia coccigera, which have five frilly petals at The Botanic Gardens at Kona Kai Resort in Key Largo, Florida