| Etymology | Genus | Fiddle wood |
|---|---|---|
| Species | With spines; reference to plant unknown | |
| Family | Verbenaceae | |
| Synonyms | Citharexylum bahamense Millsp. ex Britton, Citharexylum hybridum Moldenke | |
| Common Names | Fiddlewood | |
| Status | Exotic: Cultivated Only | |
| Form | Tree | |
| Native Distribution | Florida, West Indies, and northern South America | |
Diagnostics:
Citharexylum spinosum is a shrubby tree with a somewhat straight form. The leaves are elliptic, glossy, and have wavy margins. The most distinctive are the old leaves which willl turn yellow-orange before falling. The inflorescences appears as droopy spikes that carries numerous small white flowers.
Interesting Facts:
The Fiddlewood is so named because its wood is used to make musical instruments. When in full bloom the inflorescences, emit a pleasant scent and attracts many insects like butterflies and bees.
Form of the Fiddlewood tree.
The inflorescence droops down, and consists of numerous white flowers.
The tree is covered by inflorescences when in full bloom.
Leave margins are wavy.
The old leaves always turn yellow-orange.
Petioles are slightly reddish.
References
-Author: Jake
Posted: 2012-08-27 / Modified: 2017-12-25