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Description
Citharexylum Spinosum, commonly known as the Florida fiddlewood or the spiny fiddlewood, is a small to medium-sized tree that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. Native to Florida, the Bahamas, and the Greater Antilles, this tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide. The bark is grayish-brown and smooth, and the leaves are simple, opposite, and glossy. The small, white flowers bloom in clusters from spring to fall, and the fruit is a small, dark red drupe that attracts birds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Genus | Citharexylum |
Appearance
The Citharexylum Spinosum tree has a rounded or irregular shape with a dense canopy. The leaves are dark green, shiny, and leathery, measuring 2-4 inches in length and 1-2 inches in width. The leaf margins are smooth or slightly toothed, and the petioles are short. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, and they grow in clusters or panicles at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a small, round, red or purple drupe that is about ⅜ inch in diameter.
Care Guide
Citharexylum Spinosum is relatively easy to care for and grows well in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Here are some care tips for this tree:- Water: Water the tree once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Avoid overwatering or allowing the soil to become waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.- Soil: Use a well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Amend the soil with organic matter if necessary.- Sunlight: Citharexylum Spinosum prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as well.- Hardiness Zones: This tree is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Citharexylum Spinosum is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The tree may also develop leaf spot or powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
Citharexylum Spinosum is native to Florida, the Bahamas, and the Greater Antilles. It grows in a variety of habitats, including coastal hammocks, mangrove swamps, and pine rocklands. It is often used as an ornamental tree in landscaping due to its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Citharexylum Spinosum a good shade tree?
A: Yes, Citharexylum Spinosum can provide partial shade and is a good tree for landscaping.
Q: Does Citharexylum Spinosum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the fruit of Citharexylum Spinosum attracts birds and other wildlife.
Q: Can Citharexylum Spinosum tolerate salt spray?
A: Yes, Citharexylum Spinosum is tolerant of salt spray and can grow in coastal areas.
Q: How often should I prune Citharexylum Spinosum?
A: Prune Citharexylum Spinosum in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also prune to shape the tree or control its size.
Related Plants
– Citharexylum fruticosum- Citharexylum quadrangulare- Citharexylum spinosum var. sinuosum- Citharexylum berlandieri- Citharexylum caudatum
References
– “Citharexylum spinosum.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st584.- “Citharexylum spinosum.” Floridata. https://floridata.com/Plants/Verbenaceae/Citharexylum%20spinosum/76.- “Florida fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum).” Plant Care Today. https://plantcaretoday.com/florida-fiddlewood.html.
