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Erithalis fruticosa, commonly known as Black Torch, is a medium evergreen shrub or small tree typically growing 6-15 feet (2-5 m) tall.
Growth Form
Upright, multi-stemmed shrub
Dense branching
Rounded crown
Compact growth habit
Bark Gray to brown
Smooth to slightly rough
Thin bark on younger stems
Leaves
Simple and opposite
Oval to elliptic
Thick and leathery
Glossy dark green
Smooth margins
Leaves are durable and adapted to dry, limestone environments.
Flowers
Small and white
Tubular Produced in clusters
Mildly fragrant
Bloom seasonally
Though small, flowers attract insects.
Fruit
Small, round berry
Ripens from green to deep purple or black
Fleshy
Habitat
Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formation: Shrublands (scrublands) on sand substrate but also at the edges and interiors of DBEF- Forests and Woodlands on limestone substrates.
Distribution
Erithalis fruticosa occurs on all island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago as well as Florida, the Caribbean region, and Central and South America.
Ecological Importance
Fruits provide food for birds
Flowers support pollinators
Contributes to dense shrub layer in coppice forests.
Erithalis fruticosa is now used in the horticultural industry, and does well in coastal, salty, dry conditions.
Cultural Notes
Erithalis fruticosa teas made from combining all parts of the plant have been used to treat hemorrhoids, measles, and as a diuretic.
It has been traditionally used as a torch for hunting land crabs.
The wood is broken and shredded and then lit on fire.
It produces a smoky fire.