Taxonomic name: Citharexylem spinosum L.
Synonyms: Citharerxylum fruticosum L., Citharexylum albicaule Turcz., Citharexylum bahamense Millsp. Ex Britton, Citharexylum broadwayi O.E. Shultz ex. Urb., Citharexylum cinereum J.F. Gmel, Citharexylum cinereum L., Citharexylum coriaceum Desf., Citharexylum fruticosum L. forma bahamense (Millsp. Ex. Britton) Moldenke, Citharexylum fruticosum L. forma subserratum (Sw.) Moldenke, Citharexylum fruticosum L. forma subvillosum (Moldenke) Moldenke, Citharexylum fruticosum L. var. brittonii Moldenke, Citharexylum fruticosum L. var. smallii Moldenke, Citharexylum fruticosum L. var. subserratum (Sw.) Moldenke, Citharexylum fruticosum L. var. subvillosum (Moldenke), Citharexylum fruticosum L. var. villosum (Jacq.) O.E. Shultz, Citharexylum hybridum Moldenke, Citharexylum molle Salisb, Citharexylum pentandrum Vent., Citharexylum polystachyum Turcz., Citharexylum quadrangulare Jacq., Citharexylum spinosum L. forma subserratum (Sw.), Citharexylum spinosum L. forma smallii (Moldenke), Citharexylum spinosum L. forma villosum (Jacq.), Citharexylum subserratum Sw., Citharexylum surrectum Griseb., Citharexylum teres Jacq., Citharexylum tomentosum Poir., Citharexylum villosum Jacq.
Common names: fiddlewood (English), Florida fiddlewood (English), masese (Fijian-Fiji), spiny fiddlewood (English)
Organism type: tree Citharexylum spinosum (fiddlewood) is a tree that is commonly planted for its multi-seasonal aesthetic appeal. After escape, it can cause problems by forming dense thickets that choke out other vegetation. In addition, its roots are very aggressive and cause damage to pipes and underground services. Efforts to monitor this plant are underway in many areas, namely Hawaii, where it has spread to several islands. Description
Citharexylum spinosum is an evergreen tree that can be up to 50 feet tall. It has no spines and has smooth, quadrangular twigs. Its leaves are up to 8 inches long, smooth and oval or oblong. The leaves also narrow at the base to a short stem, are coarse-toothed or entire, pointed at the tip, and are opposite or in groups of three. "Fragrant, white, tubular five-parted flowers, each about 0.3 inch long, are borne in narrow clusters, which are 4 to 12 inches long, branched below or not." (PIER, 1999). Flowers on C. spinosum are functionally unisexual and the trees are dioecious. The fruits of Citharexylum spinosum are globose, 0.25 in (0.60cm) in diameter, immaturely red or orange and purplish to black when ripe. The leaves turn a browish gold colour between February and May. (Starret al, 2003). The bark of C. spinosum is light brown, and becomes fissured as it ages. (IRREC, 2003). Fiddlewood forms crowded stands even in undisturbed habitats. (Smith, 1998). Occurs in:
agricultural areas, coastland, ruderal/disturbed, urban areas Habitat description
C. spinosum generally grows in wet habitats below 500 metres. It has been found in dry habitats at different elevations, where it adapts by dropping its leaves during the dry season. (Smith, 1985). General impacts
C. spinosum is able to form a dense canopy, choking out other vegetation. (Starr et al, 2003). Because of its aggressive roots, which can damage pipes and other underground services, C. spinosum is no longer desirable in Australia and other parts of the world. (The State of Queensland, 2006)
C. spinosum is able to form a dense canopy, choking out other vegetation. (Starr et al, 2003). Because of its aggressive roots, which can damage pipes and other underground services, C. spinosum is no longer desirable in Australia and other parts of the world. (The State of Queensland, 2006) Uses
C. spinosum is cultivated as a street tree and is a popular ornamental in many tropical and subtropical regions. The leaves of C. spinosum turn orange prior to dropping, which is part of the reason for its appeal. The tree is also attractive because of its fragrant white flowers. People in the Carribean use the wood of C. spinosum to make stringed instruments and cabinets. (Starr et al, 2003). Notes
During the dry season, Citharexlum spinosum is deciduous. (Smith, 1998) Geographical range
Native range: United States (Florida), West Indes, South America (USDA-NRCS, 2006; ARS-GRIN, 1996)
Known introduced range:United States (Hawaii), French Polynesia, Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia (USDA-NRCS, 2006; ARS-GRIN, 1996)." Local dispersal methods
Consumption/excretion: Citharexylum spinosum is dispersed to new locations by frugivorous birds. (Starr et al, 2003)
For ornamental purposes (local): Citharexylum spinosum is spread by humans who cultivate the tree for landscaping. (Starr et al, 2003) Management information
Preventative measures: A Risk Assessment of Citharexylum spinosum for Hawai‘i and other Pacific islands was prepared by Dr. Curtis Daehler (UH Botany) with funding from the Kaulunani Urban Forestry Program and US Forest Service. The alien plant screening system is derived from Pheloung et al. (1999) with minor modifications for use in Pacific islands (Daehler et al. 2004). The result is a score of 7 and a recommendation of: "reject the plant for import (Australia) or species likely to be of high risk (Pacific)". Cultural: The public should be informed not to plant C. spinosum. (Starret al, 2003). Physical: If cut and not treated, C. spinosum will certainly grow back. Chemical: Chemicals will likely play a role in controlling C. spinosum because it grows back when cut to the ground. (Starret al, 2003). Biological: A treehopper Aconophora compressa was released in 1995 in Australia for control of Lantana camara, a weedy species in the same family as C. spinosum. Several populations of A. compressa were found on C. spinosum after their release, and have been damaging the tree and other plants since then. (The State of Queensland, 2006; Dhileepan et al. 2006). Reproduction
C. spinosum can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. (Starret al, 2003). Principal sources: Starr, F., Starr, K., & L. Loope. 2003. Citharexylum spinosum. Plants of Hawaii Reports.
Compiled by: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)
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Last Modified: Tuesday, 12 December 2006
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