Common Name: Guayaibi Blanco

General Information

Cordia americana is a deciduous tree with a tall, dense crown; it can grow 10 - 30 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 70 - 80cm in diameter, when grown in the open it forms branches from low down[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It produces a good quality wood and is often harvested from the wild and sometimes traded. It is also a good choice as a pioneer species for restoring native woodland.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, southern and eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Semideciduous, broadleaved forests, where it can be found in both primary and secondary formations. It favours deep, moist but not wet soils, and is rare on steeper slopes or in poor or dry terrains[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Prefers a deep, moist, fertile soil[].
In some areas within its range, this tree is considered to be a weed of pasture land[].
Trees have a moderate rate of growth[].

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

A decoction of the leaves is used to wash wounds and to treat various inflammations. A poultice of the leaves is applied topically on wounds[]

The plant (part not specified) is antibiotic and emollient. It is used in the treatment of ulcers, diarrhoea, liver diseases, and syphilis[]

Agroforestry Uses:

Naturally invading pasture land (to the extent that it is sometimes considered to be a weed), the plant is an excellent choice as a pioneer species when re-establishing native woodland[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is light brown according to one report[], whilst another says that it is very dark and can even become black[]; the sapwood is whitish. The wood is moderately heavy, hard, flexible, with good mechanical properties and very durable even when immersed in water or buried in the soil[]. Easy to work, it is widely used in construction; for external purposes such as fence posts and bridge beams; and for items such as billiard cues, tool handles, oars and saddles[]. Because of its flexibility and elasticity, it is traditionally used to make bows[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A very high germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 15 - 20 days[].

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