Tropical Lilythorn

Scientific name: Catesbaea melanocarpa

POWO Status: Shrub

IUCN Red List threat level: Not Evaluated

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 53.68″ N, 64° 49′ 48.34″ W

Common Name: Tropical Lilythorn
Scientific Name: Catesbaea melanocarpa Krug & Urb.
Family: Rubiaceae

Leaf Type: Small, simple, opposite leaves; oval to elliptic; dark green and leathery with short petioles
Evergreen: Yes — retains leaves year-round under stable tropical conditions
Leaf Flush: New growth typically emerges after rainfall or following flowering; young leaves are lighter green
Senescence: Individual leaves may yellow and drop gradually; often subtle and continuous rather than seasonal

Inflorescence: Solitary, tubular, white flowers with long corolla tubes, often axillary
Blooming Period: Likely seasonal and rainfall-dependent, often in late spring to early summer (based on habitat and related species)
Pollinators: Probably moths or butterflies, based on floral morphology (long tubular flowers adapted for long-tongued pollinators)
Phenological Indicator: Showy white flowers emerging singly from leaf axils; often appear with or shortly after new growth

Fruit Type: Rounded berry; initially green, turning dark purple to black when mature
Fruit Development: Follows flowering by several weeks to months; berries may persist on plant
Dispersal: Possibly birds or small mammals
Phenological Indicator: Visible dark berries among foliage or replacing flowers

Phenology may be irregular or highly dependent on seasonal rainfall and microclimate conditions

Catesbaea melanocarpa is extremely rare and federally endangered, known from a few populations in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico

Natural populations are typically found in dry, coastal scrub or thorn woodland, often on limestone or rocky soils

Monitoring flowering and fruiting is critical for conservation and propagation efforts