Moldenke Live Plant (Citharexylum montevidense)

The Verbenaceae family’s prickly, deciduous Citharexylum montevidense tree can reach heights of 5 to 10 metres. It is indigenous to South America, including southern and eastern Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. Native Americans hardly ever consume the fruit of the tree since it is occasionally gathered from the wild as a local source of fuel. The fruit is a crimson, globose drupe with a diameter of 12 mm and one to three seeds. Although the pulp is moist and succulent, the natives do not seem to value the fruit much.

Common Name: Tarumã de Espinho, Moldenke.

Botanical Name: Citharexylum montevidense

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 2 to 4 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate