Scientific name: Randia aculeata
Family: Rubiaceae (Coffee family)
Common names: White indigoberry, indigoberry, bois rivière (Creole), espino (Spanish)

Randia aculeata is a native woody shrub found across the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands. Typically growing 3 to 10 feet tall, it features glossy, dark green leaves, thorny branches, and small white, star-like flowers that emit a light fragrance. Its most distinctive feature is its round, white fruit—which contains a dark purple to black pulp, historically associated with indigo-like staining.

This drought-tolerant shrub is well-adapted to the coastal scrub, dry forest, and limestone soils of St. Croix. While the fruit is not edible for humans, it serves as a food source for birds and wildlife, making it an important contributor to local ecosystems.

Traditionally known as bois rivière in Virgin Islands Creole, Randia aculeata holds a subtle but enduring place in the cultural and natural heritage of the region. Its tough, spiny nature and hardy beauty reflect the resilience of the island landscapes and the communities that have long coexisted with them.