This is a sedge. Most Rhynchospora species are wind pollinated. The white bracts of this species attract insects. Can use as a groundcover in moist sites. Good in an informal savanna setting, rain garden or bioswale.

The blue fruits on this tree are actually fleshy cones. Often used as a screen by planting in one or two fairly dense rows. Also useful as a background tree.  Can be a specimen tree.

According to Kew Gardens, it is from Central America and probably Cuba and Florida.   After going through the photos and labels for specimens in the SIEnet database, the only occurrences in Florida that were convincingly in natural systems (as opposed to highly disturbed areas) were on shell mounds, dunes, and similar coastal areas.  Hence, the range map provided highlights the counties along the west coast that have these. Noted as invasive  and weedy on many herbarium specimen labels.  Where not native, we should think of it as invasive.

While occurring naturally in wetlands, this plant makes a good shrub in reasonably moist uplands. Use as a background plant in moist, shady areas. Charming when planted along a stream. Blooms are showy, longlasting. Has a tendency to produce suckers, so best planted where it can be contained.

The natural distribution in Florida is predominantly related to soil and drainage conditions.  If you provide them, it should grow successfully from Lake County northward. Specimen tree especially for moist sites.

Groundcover for moist to wet sites.

There is a natural dwarf form that is associated with xeric uplands.  I makes a nice, low-growing shrub in casual gardens. Good as a background or hedge plant that also attracts wildlife. Rain gardens or bioswales.