Common Name:

General Information

Cordia oncocalyx is a much-branched, deciduous tree with a dense, roundish crown; usually growing 5 - 8 metres tall but exceptionally to 12 metres. The bole branches from fairly low down, it can be 30 - 40cm in diameter[].
Although small, the tree yields a good quality wood that is widely used in its native area. The plant also has local medicinal uses. A very ornamental tree, especially when in bloom, it is particularly suited for street planting under power lines[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - northeastern Brazil.

Habitat

Dryland forest, where it is found in better quality soils that are not too dry[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	7.50 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the 'Caatinga' dry forest region of northeast Brazil. The climate is hot and dry, there are usually 6 to 11 months without rain each year. The mean annual rainfall varies from 250 - 1,000mm, and the mean annual temperature is from 24 - 26°c[].
Requires a sunny position[]. Requites a moist soil of at least moderate fertility[]. Established plants are very drought tolerant[].
A slow-growing tree[].

Edible Uses

Although we have seen no specific information for this species, 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).

Medicinal

The bark is used for healing wounds and ulcers[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is clearly demarcated from the narrow band of sapwood. The wood is heavy; hard; with a smooth and lustrous surface; good mechanical properties; very resistant to rot. It is widely used in house building for purposes such as tie beams, scantlings, floor boards etc; it is also used for making furniture, window frames, wooden trunks, and for external purposes such as fence posts and stakes[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed or in individual containers. A low germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 70 - 100 days[]. Seedlings grow away slowly, taking 8 - 10 months before they are ready to plant out[].
The seeds have a viability in excess of 10 months in storage[].

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