Spiny Fiddlewood
Citharexylum spinosum
NEMBA category
English: Spiny Fiddlewood, Fiddlewood, Florida Fiddlewood, Susanna Berry
Synonyms, misapplied or old scientific names: Citharexylum fruticosum
The Spiny Fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum), is a tree that, despite its name, is often thornless. Native to the West Indies and southern Florida, this evergreen beauty boasts fragrant white flowers and glossy leaves.
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Origins: Native to the West Indies and southern Florida.
Overall appearance: An evergreen tree with a dense, rounded canopy and glossy foliage.
Height: Up to 15 metres.
Width: Canopy spread varies, typically proportional to height.
Leaves: Opposite or in whorls of three, smooth, oval to oblong, up to 20 centimetres long, with entire or slightly toothed margins.
Thorns or spines: Despite its name, it generally lacks spines.
Flowers: Fragrant, white, tubular, about 0.8 centimetres long, in narrow clusters 10 to 30 centimetres long.
Flowering season: Late summer (Fenruary to March)
Fruits: Small, fleshy, orange to black drupes, approximately 1 centimetre in diameter.
Bark: Smooth, greyish, becoming slightly fissured with age.
Soil type: Adaptable to various soil types, including wet and dry habitats.
Aspect: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Uses: Ornamental planting for its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers.
Ecology: Prolific seeder, forming dense thickets in natural areas, pastures, roadsides, and gulches, shading out native vegetation.
Derivation of name and historical aspects: The genus name Citharexylum is derived from the Greek words for "cithara" (a type of ancient lyre) and "wood," possibly referring to the use of its wood in instrument making.
Interesting Facts
Despite its name, the Spiny Fiddlewood often lacks spines.
Its fragrant white flowers make it popular in ornamental gardening.
The tree is known for its adaptability, thriving in both wet and dry conditions.
In some regions, it's considered invasive due to its rapid growth and prolific seeding.
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