Fiddlewood
Scientific name: Citharexylum spinosum
Overview
Fiddlewood is a lesser-known Caribbean hardwood derived from a small to medium-sized tropical tree often recognized more for its ornamental and ecological value than for lumber production. While not widely traded, its wood is occasionally used locally for light construction, small projects, and general utility purposes. It represents a class of regional hardwoods that are important in local economies but rarely enter global markets.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Fiddlewood
- Scientific Name: Citharexylum spinosum
- Region: Caribbean & West Indies Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 20–50 ft tall, up to 1–2 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: ~38–45 lbs/ft³ (estimated)
- Janka Hardness: Not officially rated (moderate hardness)
- Color: Light yellow to pale brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly irregular
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Fiddlewood is generally light in color with a relatively plain appearance. It lacks bold figure but can show subtle grain variation depending on growth conditions.
Key identification traits include:
- Light yellow to pale brown coloration
- Moderate, even texture
- Straight to slightly irregular grain
- Typically found in smaller boards or local cuts
Working Properties
Fiddlewood is moderately easy to work and behaves similarly to many mid-density tropical hardwoods used for general purposes.
- Easy to machine and shape
- Accepts finishes evenly
- Moderate strength and durability
- May require sharp tools for cleaner cuts
Safety Note
No significant toxicity data is widely reported, but standard precautions such as dust collection and respiratory protection should be used.
Common Uses
Fiddlewood is primarily used in local or small-scale applications where availability is more important than premium characteristics.
- Light construction
- Utility lumber
- Small furniture pieces
- Carving and craft work
- General woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Fiddlewood is not a commercially significant export species and is typically harvested locally. Its role is more ecological and ornamental, and its use as lumber is secondary. Because of this, it is not commonly associated with large-scale sustainability concerns.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Breadfruit – Similar in weight and general utility, though Breadfruit is more widely used and better documented.
Spanish Elm – Comparable regional hardwood with similar workability but often slightly stronger.
Caribbean White Cedar – Lighter and softer, with better resistance to decay in certain environments.
Related Guides
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods – Explains how mid-density woods like Fiddlewood behave during moisture changes and stabilization.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods – Provides insight into tool setup and cutting techniques, even for moderate-density woods.
Plantation vs. Wild-Harvested Hardwood – Helps explain how lesser-known regional species like Fiddlewood are sourced and used.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Fiddlewood is not typically sought after by collectors for rarity or figure, but it has value as a representative Caribbean species. It fits well within a collection focused on regional diversity, especially when paired with more recognizable tropical hardwoods.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
• Small Woodworking Projects (Best of Fine Woodworking) for building boxes, stools, shop accessories, and other practical weekend woodworking projects
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• 80-Piece Threaded Insert Nuts and Furniture Screw Set for creating strong, reusable threaded connections in woodworking, furniture building, and shop projects
https://amzn.to/3SmACIO
• Power Tool Organizer with Charging Station for organizing cordless drills, batteries, chargers, and other power tools while keeping your workshop neat and efficient
https://amzn.to/4oU2XST
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