Schnella microstachya, commonly known as St. Thomas Tree, is an evergreen plant that can take the form of a tree, shrub, or subshrub, and is native to tropical rainforests and seasonally wet forests in the Neotropics, including the Amazon Basin. It typically reaches a modest height and width of 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters), making it suitable for smaller garden spaces or as an understory plant. The St. Thomas Tree has a bushy appearance with small, inconspicuous flowers that may not be the main attraction. However, its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest.

In cultivation, the St. Thomas Tree is appreciated for its adaptability to various light conditions, though it thrives best in part shade, mimicking its natural understory habitat. It is often used in tropical and subtropical gardens for its dense foliage and as a filler plant in shaded areas. This species prefers moist, well-drained soils and benefits from regular watering, especially during dry periods. While not widely known for any particular problems, it can be susceptible to pests and diseases common to tropical plants if not properly cared for. The St. Thomas Tree is not typically known for being invasive outside its native range, but gardeners should always monitor their plants and manage growth as necessary.CC BY-SA 4.0