Peeling Bark - An Attractive Feature of Simpson's Stopper

Peeling bark is just one of the many charms of the  Florida native plant, Simpson's Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans). The specimen in our yard, which I have "limbed up" and trained into a multi-trunked large shrub, is shedding its bark now. It doesn't happen all at once, but seems to start at the base of the trunks, and progress upward through the branches. 

Old, papery bark peels back to reveal vividly-colored new surfaces which beg to be touched as well as seen. They are smooth as though sanded, and the hands itch to experience their fullness. The new wood gradually will fade to a pale beige, but for a time will display nuances of siena, gold, and even hints of green. 

The old bark, mottled with dirt and remnants of lichens may be held in place for a time by the scar of a fallen branchlet. It looks riveted in place. 

My photo below shows that my watercolor sketch doesn't exaggerate the colors.

Healthy plants shed their bark for a variety of reasons. It may be to facilitate growth, to get rid of harmful organisms, or even to aid in photosynthesis. Whatever the explanation, it is one more reason to marvel at the variety and beauty of plants.

Smooth, New Wood