Common Name:

General Information

Cordia goeldiana is a semi-deciduous tree usually growing 10 - 20 metres tall but sometimes reaching 30 metres. The bole is 40 - 90cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, which is used localy and also exported. A quite ornamental plant, especially when in flower, it is sometimes grown as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - northern and central Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana.

Habitat

An understorey tree of dense, tropical forests, on dry soils[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Prefers a moist soil[].
Newly planted young trees grow away moderately well, reaching a height of about 3 metres within 2 years[].

Edible Uses

The fruits of most Cordia species are comprised of a thin to fairly thick layer of pulpy, sweetish-tasting flesh surrounding a single seed and are more or less edible[, ]. (though some are known to cause gastric disturbances). This species, however, belongs to a section of the genus where the mesocarp is fibrous rather than fleshy[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The heartwood is light grey-yellow or light grey-brown, sometimes marked with darker streaks; it is usually but not always clearly differentiated from the 2 - 4cm wide band of sapwood. The texture is moderately fine and uniform; the grain usually straight or shallowly interlocked; the wood lustrous; the odour peculiar but not pronounced; taste indistinct. The wood is light to moderately heavy; soft; moderately durable, being resistant to dry wood borers and fungi, but somewhat susceptible to termites. It seasons quickly, with only a slight risk of checking or distortion; once dry it is moderately stable in service. The wood works easily with all hand and machine tools, with very little dulling effect on cutting edges; planes and moulds to a clean finish if cutting edges are kept sharp; in mortising, boring, and end-grain working, the timber requires adequate support to prevent chipping; it is not suitable for turnery; tends to split in nailing unless pre-bored; glues correct; takes stain very well and polishes satisfactorily when filled. A good jointing timber, it is used in making fine furniture, cabinet making, tun making, decorative laminates, gun stocks etc and is also used in house construction[, , ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, though it can be stored for up to a year[]. Sow in a semi-shaded position in a nursery seedbed, only just covering the seed. Germination rates are normally low, with the seeds sprouting within 30 - 60 days[]. The germination process can be sped up if the seed is first scarified by lightly abrading the seedcoat to allow easier ingress of water[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual containers when they are 4 - 6cm tall and they should be ready to plant out 4 - 5 months later[].

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