Common Name:

General Information

Varronia bahamensis is a much-branched shrub usually growing around 1 - 2 metres tall, occasionally becoming more tree-like and around 3 - 4 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials. It is sometimes grown as an ornmental[].
Varronia bahamensis is subject to ex situ conservation measures, through seeds and living collections both in its native range and at international institutions. It is also protected in various areas throughout the Bahamas Archipelago. However, the pine and coastal areas that are key habitats of this species are some of the most threatened in the Caribbean, and further degradation could lead to decline in the population size of this species and push it into a threatened category. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2014)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Caribbean - Bahamas, Turks-Caicos Islands

Habitat

Shrublands, coppices and savannah, growing along roadsides in disturbed areas as well as in pine yards and sand dunes[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Flies
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. The red to black, ovoid drupe is about 4mm long[].
We have seen no further specific information for this species. The fruits of most Cordia (Varronia) species are comprised of a thin to fairly thick layer of pulpy, sweetish-tasting flesh surrounding a single seed and are more or less edible[, ], (though some are known to cause gastric disturbances).

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The branches are used as brooms[].

Propagation

Seed -

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