Cordia caffra

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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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.

Similar plants:

• Cordia boissieri (Texas Olive, Anacahuita)
• Cordia dentata (Cordia Suwana-Pruek)
• Cordia goeldiana (Freijo, Jenny Wood)
• Cordia lutea (Yellow Geiger, Muyuyo)
• Cordia myxa (Assyrian Plum, Lasura)
• Cordia parvifolia (Little Leaf Cordia)
• Cordia rupicola, Varronia rupicola (Puerto Rico Manjack, Cliff Manjack)
• Cordia salvifolia, Cordia nesophila (Islandloving Cordia, Black Sage)
• Cordia scabra, Cordia sebestena (Geiger Tree, Scarlet Cordia, Aloe Wood)
• Cordia sp. (Cordia)