This semi-deciduous tree has a single greyish trunk with spreading branches that form a broad conical habit. It has glossy mid green leaves that turn orange in late winter and the fragrant creamy white tube-shaped flowers appear in a raceme in summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Citharexylum spinosum is naturally found from the West Indies to Venezuela in tropical America growing in well drained organic rich moist sandy soils. It prefers an open sunny to semi shaded position and is frost tender but drought tolerant.

The Fiddlewood Tree is grown for is dense crown and colourful foliage. It is planted in parks and gardens as a lawn specimen for shade or used along borders for screening. This quick growing tree establishes in 3 to 4 years and is long lived. It is also planted in sub-tropical settings and is suitable for humid coastal and inland regions. ID 331

Citharexylum(sith-a-REX-i-lum) spinosum(spi-NO-sum)

'Citharexylum': from Greek kithar + xylon - sound wood (refers to the use of the wood for sounding boards of stringed instruments); 'spinosum': a thorn (refers to the spines at the base of the pedicels).