Varronia brittonii

Varronia brittonii Millsp.

Synonym: Cordia brittonii

Habit: Varronia brittonii grows as a shrub to small tree up to 3 m in height. The leaves are arranged alternately, linear to oblong in shape.  The leaves are up to 6 cm in length (usually shorter) with a slightly crenate leaf margin.  The surfaces of the leaves are short pubescent with resin dots.

The complete, perfect, actinomorphic flowers are arranged in short spikes.  The calyx has 5 fused sepals. The corolla has 5 white, fused interiorly pubescent petals. There are 5 stamens that are attached to the rim of the corolla.  The ovary is superior.  The fruit is a drupe that turns red at maturity.

Habitat: Varronia brittonii grows in Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formation – Shrublands (scrublands coppice).

Distribution: Varronia brittonii occurs throughout the islands in the Lucayan Archipelago and Cuba.

Medicinal/Cultural/Economic usage: Varronia brittonii is not known to be used medicinally use in the Lucayan Archipelago.