Contents
Description
Citharexylum is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It includes approximately 150 species that are mainly found in tropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Citharexylum is commonly known as fiddlewood or guitar tree due to its characteristic shape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Genus | Citharexylum |
Appearance
Citharexylum is a small to medium-sized tree or shrub that can grow up to 30 feet tall. Its leaves are opposite, simple, and oval-shaped, measuring up to 6 inches long. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruits are small, round, and purple or black when ripe. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown in color, developing vertical fissures with age.
Care Guide
Water: Citharexylum prefers moist but well-draining soil. Water it regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Feed Citharexylum with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.
Soil: Citharexylum grows best in fertile, loamy soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.
Sunlight: Citharexylum prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as well.
Hardiness Zones: Citharexylum is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11, where the average minimum temperature ranges from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Common Pests & Diseases
Citharexylum may be susceptible to pests such as scales, mealybugs, and spider mites. It may also be prone to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and anthracnose. To prevent these issues, maintain good hygiene by removing dead or diseased plant material, and provide adequate air circulation and sunlight. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests, and fungicides to control diseases.
Habitat
Citharexylum is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. It grows in a variety of habitats such as forests, savannas, and wetlands. Some species of Citharexylum are also cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens and parks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Citharexylum easy to grow?
A: Citharexylum can be relatively easy to grow, as long as it is provided with adequate sunlight, moisture, and nutrients.
Q: Does Citharexylum require pruning?
A: Citharexylum may benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and remove dead or diseased branches.
Q: Can Citharexylum be grown indoors?
A: Citharexylum may be grown indoors in a bright location, but it may not flower as well as it would outdoors.
Q: How often should I fertilize Citharexylum?
A: Citharexylum should be fertilized once a month during the growing season, and not at all during the winter months.
Related Plants
- Citharexylum berlandieri
- Citharexylum caudatum
- Citharexylum fruticosum
- Citharexylum quadrangulare
References
- Dirr, M. A., & Heuser, C. W. (2019). The reference manual of woody plant propagation. Timber Press.
- Hatch, L. K., & Schmitz, D. C. (2020). Native trees of the Southeast: An identification guide. Timber Press.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Citharexylum. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286155
