Parijatham original

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Citharexylum spinosum

• Common Names: Spiny Fiddlewood, Fiddlewood Tree, Florida Fiddlewood,Parijatham original

• Family: Verbenaceae

• Origin: Native to the Caribbean, Florida, and parts of Central & South America

• Type: Evergreen flowering tree / large shrub

 Appearance

• Size: Medium-sized tree, usually 7–15 m tall (can be smaller in gardens with pruning).

• Leaves: Glossy, dark green, simple leaves arranged alternately.

• Flowers:

  • Small, fragrant white to cream-colored tubular flowers in clusters.

  • Bloom profusely in warm months.

• Fruit: Orange to red drupes, attractive to birds.

• Thorns: Branches often have spines (hence the name "spinosum").

 Care Guide

• Sun Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.

• Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil; tolerates slightly alkaline conditions.

• Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established but prefers regular watering.

• Fertilizer: Apply balanced fertilizer during growing/flowering season for lush growth.

• Pruning: Can be pruned to shape as a hedge or small ornamental tree.

 Uses & Benefits

1. Ornamental:

   • Popular as a garden tree, avenue tree, or hedge due to fragrant flowers and glossy foliage.

   • Often used in tropical landscaping.

2. Attracts Wildlife:

   • Flowers attract bees and butterflies.

   • Fruits attract birds.

3. Shade & Windbreak:

   • Useful as a shade tree in gardens or streets.

   • Can be planted as a windbreak in coastal areas.

4. Cultural/Economic Uses:

   • Some species of fiddlewood have wood used in carpentry (though C. spinosum is mainly ornamental).