Common Name:

General Information

Cordia trichotoma is a deciduous tree growing 20 - 30 metres tall. The unbuttressed, cylindrical bole, which can be unbranched for 12 - 15 metres, can be 70 - 90cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its timber which is valued locally and traded. It is suitable for use in reforestation projects and is an ornamental tree that can be used in landscaping[].
Cordia trichotoma has a very wide distribution and large population. The species is used for timber but this is not currently a major threat and no further significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia.

Habitat

Open and secondary areas of the semideciduous, rainforest, avoiding the wetter areas of the forest; at elevations up to 1,000 metres[, ]. Usually found growing in sandy or clay loam in the vicinity of the rivers[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a sunny position[]. Grows wild on a wide range of soil types[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
Newly planted young trees grow away quite quickly, reaching a height of 3.5 metres within 2 years[].

Edible Uses

The fruit of this species is a dry drupe[].
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

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is a pioneer species in its native habitat, where it is found in secondary coppice areas and becomes a weed along fences[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is grey to greyish-brown, sometimes golden-brown, with a marked figure; it is clearly demarcated from the yellowish-grey sapwood[]. Lustre is medium to high; the grain generally straight or interlocked; texture medium and uniform. The timber has a pleasant odour but indistinct taste[]. The wood is fairly strong, hard, moderately heavy, of good natural durability when dry, but susceptible to attacks by termites[, ]. It works well and can be bent[]. It does not check or warp to any great extent in seasoning and holds its shape well when manufactured; it works easily with hand and machine tools; finishes smoothly and takes a very high polish; glues well; peels and slices well[]. It is a satisfactory substitute for European oak (Quercus robur) for the manufacture of high class furniture[]. It is used in fine cabinet making, for decorative coverings, wainscoting, laminates, small boats etc[].

Propagation

Seed - it should be sown within 5 months of being harvested[]. Sow in a semi-shaded position in a nursery seedbed. Germination rates are usually very good, with the seed sprouting within 50 - 90 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[]. Pot the seedlings up into individual containers when they are 5 - 6cm tall[], and they should be ready to plant out within 6 months.

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