Cyrilla racemiflora L.

Swamp Titi; Southern Leatherwood

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

White Titi (pronounced tie-tie) is a large shrub or small tree occurring in wetlands throughout the southern two thirds of Alabama. In addition to the southeastern United States, this species ranges south through Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Several species or varieties have been named, but they are now considered local variations of the single species. In tropical and subtropical areas Titi reaches tree size, and is even harvested for timber. In our area it is more often a thicket forming shrub. The leaves are simple and alternate. Plants at the northern edges of the range are deciduous while those found further south are evergreen. The bark is reddish-brown and is smooth on young stems, but flakes off in plates from older stems. The most striking feature of this plant is its flowers which are produced in racemes on last season’s growth. The racemes are numerous and may radiate from the stem in all directions or droop. The flowers are crowded along the racemes and have five white petals. The fruit is a small brown capsule. Titi naturally occurs in wetlands but once established it will grow well on quite dry sites. Plants with plenty of sun produce more flowers and have a shorter, more rounded form. Plants can be pruned into a tree form or left in a more natural shrub form. Bees and other insects flock to Titi in flower, and Titi honey is often seen for sell in south Georgia and Florida.--A. Diamond

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Native FACW (NWPL)

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