Fiddlewood

Citharexylum spinosum L.

cy-THRAX-ah-lum spine-OH-sum         

Verbenaceae

Explanation of name: Citharexylum from Greek kithara, lyre, and xylon, wood;

spinosum means spiny.

Synonym: Citharexylum fruticosum L.

Natural range: South Florida and the West Indies

Recognition: Evergreen, tree or shrub. Leaves oblong, very glossy green above, dull green below, the margins smooth with the petioles usually orangish, the veins evenly curved. Flowers small, white, tubular, and fragrant, with 5 petals, in dangling clusters. Fruit reddish-brown cluster.

Landscape uses: Native or wildlife garden. Can be a small (to ultimately very large) tree or hedge. Flowers attract butterflies and the berries attract birds and wildlife. May be denuded by caterpillars-this a serious drawback in our area.