Fiddle Wood

Title

Fiddle Wood

Authors

Ethan H. Freid

Scientific Name

Citharexylum fruticosum L.

Description

Common Names

Fiddle Wood, Long Tom, Trash-a-Berry

Verbenaceae

Habit

Citharexylum fruticosum grows as a large shrub to medium size tree up to 11 meters in height and to 25 cm in diameter. The leaves are arranged oppositely, are lanceolate to oblanceolate, and to 15 cm in length. The leaf apex is acute or emarginate, the margin is entire and the petiole and lower midrib are a distinctive orange color.

The zygomorphic flowers are arranged in racemes. The calyx has 5 fused green sepals. The corolla has 5 fused, white petals with hairs at the mouth. There are 5 stamens fused to the mouth of the corolla. The ovary is superior with 4 locules. The fruit is a few- seeded berry that turns orange and eventually black at maturity.

Citharexylum fruticosum grows in Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formation Forests/Shrublands (coppice).

Citharexylum fruticosum occurs on all island groups within the Bahamian Archipelago as well as the Caribbean region and the northern portions of South America.

Citharexylum fruticosum is used in the Bahamas to treat gastrointestinal issues (indigestion) as well as fatigue. In the Turks and Caicos Citharexylum fruticosum is mixed with Thounia discolor (Three Finger) Bourreria succulenta (Strong Back) to treat infants with swollen feet and sores.

It is used elsewhere in the Caribbean region for bathing as well as in combination with Ricinus communis (castor bean) for poultices. The wood has been used to make musical instruments.

Citharexylum fruticosum is used in the horticultural industry.