Fish Poison

Scientific name: Piscidia carthagenensis

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 59.16″ N, 64° 49′ 43.28″ W

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Observations:

Phenological Markers – Piscidia carthagenensis

Common Name: Jamacia Dogwood, Fishfuddle Tree
Scientific Name: Piscidia carthagenensis Jacq.
Family: Fabaceae (Papilionoideae subfamily)

Leaf Phenology

  • Leaf Type: Pinnately compound with 5–9 ovate leaflets, alternately arranged
  • Semi-Deciduous to Deciduous: Typically sheds leaves during dry season or drought stress
  • Leaf Flush: New leaves appear with the onset of the rainy season or after flowering
  • Senescence: Older leaves yellow and fall during dry periods, often just before flowering

Flowering

  • Inflorescence: Showy, pea-like flowers borne in loose panicles, ranging from pink to lavender with pale centers
  • Blooming Period: Typically late dry season to early rainy season (spring to early summer in many tropical regions)
  • Pollinators: Bees and butterflies; flowers are nectar-rich
  • Phenological Indicator: Leafless or partially leafless branches covered in pale pink/lavender flowers—a striking seasonal cue

Fruiting

  • Fruit Type: Flattened, linear pod (legume), brown when mature and dehiscent
  • Fruit Development: Pods form soon after flowering and take several weeks to mature
  • Dispersal: By wind and gravity
  • Phenological Indicator: Visible dry pods hanging from branches or dropped beneath canopy

Suggested Photo Angles

  • Full tree habit (often with open, spreading crown)
  • Close-up of compound leaves (emerging and mature)
  • Flowering branches with or without leaves
  • Developing and mature seed pods
  • Seasonal leaf drop or dry branches before bloom

Notes for Monitoring

Not to be confused with Piscidia piscipula (closely related), which shares similar phenology and appearance

Piscidia carthagenensis is known for its traditional medicinal and fish-stunning (ichthyotoxic) properties

Flowering is often synchronized with leaf drop, enhancing visibility of blooms—ideal for photographic monitoring

Flowering and fruiting may vary annually with rainfall patterns

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