Downy rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa)
Don’t let the beauty of this plant fool you, it is slowly taking hold in Florida. A non-native fast grower that comes back even faster after controlled burns disrupting the growing patterns of pine flats.
Originally introduced in Florida as a showy ornamental the Downy Myrtle is a unforgiving grower able to germinate from seed in a week. The plant is on the list of invasive plant species. The entire fruit is edible, although I would suggest the first time out have your friend give it a whirl. It has a taste that will temporarily contort your face followed by sudden dry mouth. In parts of Malaysia the fruits are considered a cure for dysentery and diarrhoea, and the leaves are crushed to dress wounds. Birds and mammals also like its blueberry looking fruit which also leads to its wider distribution. The Downy Myrtle in this photo is choking out saw palmetto and gallberry. 
Within 4 weeks the natural area taken over by Downy Myrtle has almost doubled in size and has become more dense. If your goal is to keep your area native, remove the seedling as soon as you see it. This plant grows faster than a Chia Pet on HGH.
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