Spiny Fiddlewood: Verbenaceae Citharexylum

Fiddlewood is a common name used to describe several related species.  Citharexylum spinosum is often referred to simply as spiny fiddlewood.  It is indigenous to the West Indies but has been introduced around the world because of its attraction in gardens.  In particular, it has been introduced and is now an invasive weed in Hawaii.

General Description

Spiny Fiddlewood is a large deciduous shrub or small tree.  Its leaves are ovate, oblong-elliptic to lanceolate and 7-16 cm long.  They are glabrous, entire or dentate, and subacute.  The petioles are 2-2.5 cm long. Small, white, sweet smelling flowers grow on spike-like racemes 10-20 cm long. The small fruits tend to be red and are easily spread by birds.