Scientific name: Citharexylum spinosum

POWO Status: Shrub or Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 55.02″ N, 64° 49′ 45.37″ W

Observations:

Phenological Markers – Citharexylum spinosum

Common Name: Fiddlewood
Scientific Name: Citharexylum spinosum L.
Family: Verbenaceae (Verbena family)

Leaf Phenology

Leaf Type: Simple, ovate to lanceolate leaves with a slightly serrated margin
Evergreen/Semi-deciduous: Evergreen to semi-deciduous, depending on the climate
Leaf Flush: New leaves typically emerge in late spring to early summer, especially following rainfall or increased humidity
Senescence: Leaves may yellow and drop during periods of drought or in cooler months
Phenological Indicator: Emergence of fresh, light green leaves after rainfall or during the warmer, wetter months

Flowering

Inflorescence: Panicles of small, tubular, white to cream-colored flowers
Blooming Period (Tropics): Flowers primarily bloom in late spring to summer, but may bloom intermittently year-round in tropical climates
Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Phenological Indicator: Appearance of flower clusters, with flowers opening progressively along the panicle, starting from the base upwards

Fruiting

Fruit Type: Small, oval, greenish to black drupes
Fruit Development: Fruits develop shortly after flowering and typically ripen in late summer to fall
Dispersal: Fruits are dispersed by birds and other animals
Phenological Indicator: Clusters of small, dark fruits visible after flowering, typically appearing in the late summer or early fall

Suggested Photo Angles

• Full shrub/tree in context, showing its height and branching structure
• Close-up of individual leaves, highlighting their shape and edge serrations
• Flowering panicles with open blooms or developing buds
• Developing and mature fruits, particularly as they transition from green to black
• Leaf flush during new growth periods or the senescence of older leaves

Notes for Monitoring

• Flowering and fruiting may be seasonally synchronized with rainfall and temperature fluctuations in tropical environments
• Citharexylum spinosum is commonly found in coastal and disturbed areas, as well as in tropical and subtropical habitats
• The plant can be pruned and shaped in gardens or landscaping, which can influence flowering and growth cycles

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