Citharexylum spinosum

A species from the tropical and subtropical forests of Central America and the Caribbean, valued for its ornamental foliage and fragrant flowering. It develops a slender, upright woody trunk with elliptic to ovate leaves arranged alternately along arching branches, each with a prominent midrib and a smooth, semi-glossy surface.

• Light: Full sun to bright indirect light; thrives in open, well-lit positions and develops the most vigorous growth with ample direct sunlight.
• Temperature: 59–79°F (15–26°C); an intermediate grower that adapts well to a range of tropical and subtropical conditions.
• Humidity: 50–75%; tolerant of moderate humidity levels; established specimens adapt well to drier conditions once rooted.
• Watering: Water regularly during active growth, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings; established trees are moderately drought-tolerant.
• Growth Habit: An upright, single-stemmed tree with a naturally slender form in youth that broadens into a rounded to spreading canopy at maturity. It produces fragrant flower racemes along the branches seasonally, making it as ornamental in bloom as it is in foliage.

Additional Notes

Best established in deep, well-draining soil with good organic content. Suitable for large containers when young; best transplanted to open ground as it matures. Shipped bare root, well-established.