Cordia parvifolia
A.DC.
Boraginaceae
Cordia greggii Torr.
Cordia watsonii Rose
Gerascanthus parvifolius (A.DC.) Borhidi
Lithocardium parvifolium (A.DC.) Kuntze
Common Name:
General Information
Cordia parvifolia is a shrub growing up to 1.8 metres tall and 2.4 metres wide. Evergreen if the climate is moist enough, the plant loses its leaves in dry periods[
423- Title
- Desert Tropicals
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.desert-tropicals.com/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation.
].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. Flowering freely, the plant makes a good ornamental in drier climates, where it can also be used as a hedge.
Known Hazards
None known
Botanical References
Range
Southwest N. America - Northwest Mexico (Baja California, Sinaloa, Durango, Zacatecas and Coahuila)
Habitat
Coastal deserts, growing on rocky bahadas and hillsides [
703- Title
- Journal of the Arnold Arboretum Vol. 21
- Publication
-
- Author
- Rehder A. (Editor)
- Website
- http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
- Publisher
- Harvard University; Boston.
- Year
- 1940
- ISBN
-
- Description
- A botanical journal containing several interesting articles. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
].
Properties
| Medicinal Rating |  |
| Other Uses Rating |  |
| Habit | Semi-deciduous Shrub |
| Height | 1.50 m |
| Cultivation Status | Ornamental, Wild |
Cultivation Details
Cordia parvifolia is native to the semi-arid, warm temperate to tropical climate of northern and central Mexico. It is somewhat cold hardy, being able to tolerate occasional short periods with temperatures falling to around -8°c so long as the soil is very well-drained and the climate is not moist[
423- Title
- Desert Tropicals
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.desert-tropicals.com/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation.
].
Requires a sunny position, tolerating light shade in regions with intense sunlight[
423- Title
- Desert Tropicals
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.desert-tropicals.com/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation.
]. Requires a well-drained soil. Established plants are drought tolerant[
423- Title
- Desert Tropicals
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.desert-tropicals.com/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation.
].
Edible Uses
None known
Medicinal
A decoction of the leaves is said to be used as a stimulant[
411- Title
- Trees and Shrubs of Mexico
- Publication
- Contributions from the United States National Herbarium Vol 23
- Author
- Standley P.C.
- Publisher
- Smithsonian Institution; Washington
- Year
- 1926
- ISBN
-
- Description
- Although dated, it contains a wealth of information on the trees and shrubs of Mexico, including many of their uses. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
]
Agroforestry Uses:
Plants can be grown to form a hedge up to 1.5 metres tall[
423- Title
- Desert Tropicals
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.desert-tropicals.com/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation.
].
Other Uses
None known
Propagation
Seed - it is very difficult to germinate the seeds.
Cuttings.
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Useful Tropical Plants Database 2014 by
Ken Fern,
web interface by
Ajna Fern
with help from
Richard Morris.
