Spiny fiddlewood tree, Lady Chancellor tree
Citharexylum spinosum

Family: Verbenaceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree. It grows 15 m high and spreads 5 m wide. The trunk is erect and sturdy. The leaves are narrowly oval and opposite. They are 20 cm long. There are coarse teeth around the edge. The flowers are small and white. They have a scent. They are in groups 30 cm long. The fruit are about 1 cm across.

It is used in medicine. It is also used to produce abortions.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It is best in humus-rich soils. It needs a protected sunny position. It is damaged by frost and drought. It grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Central America, Cuba (country/location of origin), Dominican Republic (country/location of origin), East Africa, French Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Haiti, Indonesia, Jamaica (country/location of origin), Lesser Antilles (country/location of origin), Maldives, North America, Panama, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, South America, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Venezuela, USA, West Indies (country/location of origin), Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Caution, fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Balsamo, Boa handhuvaree, Cafe cimarron, Fiddlewood, Grenad mawon, Guayo blanco, Joumpa, Penda roja, Pendola, Pohon arumdhalu, Susana, Totumillo

Synonyms

Citherexylum americanum Mill.; Citharexylum albicaule Turcz.; Citharexylum bahamense Millsp.; Citharexylum broadwayi O. E. Schulz; Citharexylum cinereum L.; Citharexylum coriaceum Desf.; Citharexylum fruticosum L.; and others