Common Name: Clammy Cherry

General Information

Cordia collococca is a shortly-deciduous tree with a moderately thick, single-layered crown that is often wide and spreading, usually growing around 5 - 15 metres tall but occasionally reaching 35 metres[, , ]. The bole is normally straight, though usually quite irregular in cross-section; it is unbranched for most of its height and can be 60cm in diameter[]. Near its base, the bole forms broad, vertical folds bounded by deep creases: structures that diverge into rounded and snaking buttress roots that extend away from the trunk for several meters at ground level[].
The tree is harvested from the wild as a local source of food, medicines and wood. It has been cultivated in Cuba for its fruit and medicinal uses, and is grown as an ornamental, being valed especially for its prolific floral display[, ].
Cordia collococca is a widespread tree that occurs in some protected areas and its seeds are under ex situ conservation at Kew's Millennium Seed Bank. It is not known to be subject to decline in population size and number of individuals. However, its suitable habitat is known to be threatened by urban development and tourism activities. The plant is currently classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2014)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

S. America - Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana; C. America - Panama to Mexico; Caribbean - Trinidad to Cuba.

Habitat

Thickets, along roadsides and pasture margins at elevations from near sea level to 390 metres[]. A canopy tree, found most frequently in old secondary forest habitats in Costa Rica[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a sunny position[]. Thrives in exposed positions[].
A fairly fast-growing species[].
The tree has a main fruiting season, but can also produce some fruits throughout the year[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, , , ]. The red fruit, which resembles a cherry, has a sweet flavour and is eaten greedily by birds[]. The red fruit is about 10mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

The plant is used medicinally[]. No further information[].

The roots are emollient[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The dead foliage is fairly rot-resistant and is often found carpeting the forest floor underneath these trees[].
The tree could serve as a very useful species in reforestation efforts, since it withstands intense insolation, grows quickly, provides shade, and generates food appealing to wildlife[].

Other Uses

The wood is tan coloured with dark rays. It is moderately heavy, easy to work[]. It has potential for use as timber[]. The wood is used for fence posts[].
The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed -

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