Common Name:

General Information

Cordia silvestris is an evergreen tree with a dense, rounded crown; it can grow 8 - 25 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 30 - 50cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of food and wood. It also has potential for use as a pioneer species.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - southern and eastern Brazil.

Habitat

A very rare tree in primary rainforests, more commonly found in secondary formations, growing on wet, forested slopes from near the coast to submontane areas[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a sunny position[].
Newly planted young trees grow away rapidly[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. In general the fruit comprises a thin to fairly thick layer of pulpy, sweetish-tasting flesh surrounding a single seed[]. The reddish, globose fruit is about 10mm in diameter[]. It has a mucilaginous, fleshy pulp with a slightly sweetish flavour[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A natural pioneer species in its native range, growing rapidly and providing an edible fruit[].

Other Uses

The white wood is smooth, light in weight, with a low resistance to insect attack[]. It is only used for low value items such as packing cases[].
The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe. Sow the seed in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. Germination rates in excess of 60% can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within 20 - 30 days[]. Seedlings grow away rapidly, transplant them to individual containers when they are about 5 - 6cm tall and they should be ready to plant out 4 - 6 months later.

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