Cordia caffra (Septee)

Cordia caffra (Septee) white flowers emerge from a cluster on green foliage branches

Botanical name: Cordia caffra

Common names: Septee, Saucer-berry

Family: Boraginaceae

Origin: South Africa

USDA Zone: 9-11

Plant type: Fruit or edible

Fruit type: Fruit or edible

Plant form: Small tree

Mature height: 10-20 ft

Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade

Cold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.

Watering: Moderate

Flower color: White and off-white

Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

Foliage: Deciduous

Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

The thin leaves are alternate, with a slightly toothed margin, shiny dark green above and paler green below. The scented, cream-white, bell-shaped flowers are borne in clusters at the end of the branches in spring/early summer. The fleshy fruits are deep orange drupes and look attractively appetizing to both humans and birds when ripe. They are edible, but not very tasty. The large calyx forms a saucer around the base of the fruit and may account for the common name.

The tree occurs naturally in coastal and riverine forests and bush. Although this tree thrives in semishade, it can also be planted in full sun where it grows almost equally well.

Although it is found growing in warm climates, this tree can tolerate mild frost. It is advisable to protect the stem of a newly planted tree against frost for the first few winters, or until the stem at ground level reaches at least 80mm in diameter.

Parts of this tree are used medicinally to treat sore eyes, fever and wounds.

See article about cordia.