Xylosma bahamensis

Native to the Bahamas and Cayman Islands, this intricately branched shrub or small tree belongs to the willow family and can reach about 20 feet tall. It grows in scrub and woodland, often on rocky limestone in seasonally dry tropical habitats. The trunk and larger limbs can carry branched spines up to about 2 inches long, while leafy twigs may have simple spines. Its small, oval leaves have smooth edges or a few blunt teeth. The fruits are small and oblong. Photographed in Florida.