Stinkingfish: A Hidden Gem for Caribbean Gardens
Don’t let the unusual name fool you – stinkingfish (Tetrazygia angustifolia) is actually a charming native shrub that deserves a place in tropical gardens. This perennial woody plant is a true Caribbean native, naturally occurring in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where it has been quietly supporting local ecosystems for generations.
What Makes Stinkingfish Special?
Despite its quirky common name, stinkingfish is a multi-stemmed shrub that typically grows less than 13-16 feet tall, making it perfect for residential landscapes. Under certain environmental conditions, it can develop a more tree-like form or grow taller, but it usually maintains its characteristic shrub appearance with several stems arising from near the ground.
The plant produces delicate clusters of small white to pink flowers that are absolutely beloved by local pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and other native insects flock to these blooms, making stinkingfish an excellent choice for anyone wanting to support Caribbean wildlife.
Where Does Stinkingfish Grow?
This native beauty is found naturally in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, where it has adapted perfectly to the tropical climate and local growing conditions.
Is Stinkingfish Right for Your Garden?
If you’re gardening in USDA hardiness zones 10-11, stinkingfish could be a fantastic addition to your landscape. Here’s why you might want to consider it:
- Native plant that supports local ecosystems and wildlife
- Attracts beneficial pollinators with its charming flower clusters
- Low maintenance once established
- Drought tolerant when mature
- Perfect size for residential gardens
- Excellent for native plant gardens and habitat restoration projects
However, this plant is definitely not for everyone. Stinkingfish is strictly tropical and can only survive in the warmest parts of the United States. If you’re gardening anywhere outside of zones 10-11, this plant simply won’t survive your winters.
Growing Stinkingfish Successfully
If you’re lucky enough to garden in tropical zones, stinkingfish is relatively easy to grow:
- Light: Provide partial to full sun for best flowering
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential – this plant doesn’t like wet feet
- Water: Regular watering while establishing, then quite drought tolerant
- Climate: Tropical conditions only (zones 10-11)
- Maintenance: Low maintenance once established
Perfect for Native Gardens
Stinkingfish shines in native plant gardens, tropical landscaping, and wildlife habitat restoration projects. Its flowers provide nectar for native pollinators, while its natural growth habit fits beautifully into informal, naturalistic garden designs.
For gardeners in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, this is definitely a plant worth considering. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate your local flora while creating a garden that truly belongs in your landscape.
The Bottom Line
Stinkingfish might have an odd name, but it’s a delightful native shrub for the right location. If you’re gardening in the Caribbean or other tropical zones, this pollinator-friendly, low-maintenance native deserves serious consideration. Just remember – this is strictly a warm-climate plant, so only tropical gardeners need apply!
