Cordia africana - African Cordia Tree Enhance your landscape with the Cordia africana, a fast-growing, multipurpose tree renowned for its beautiful canopy, ecological benefits, and valuable timber. Often called the Large-leaved Cordia or East African Cordia, this tree is a symbol of sustainability and utility in tropical and subtropical regions. Features: Mature Height: Reaches 10–15 meters, with a well-formed trunk and a spreading, rounded crown. Leaves: Large, heart-shaped, and bright green leaves give the tree a lush appearance and provide excellent shade. Flowers: Produces small, fragrant, cream to pale yellow flowers in clusters, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Fruits: Bears small, edible, orange-brown drupes, often enjoyed by wildlife and humans alike. Benefits: Shade Provider: Its dense foliage makes it ideal for creating shaded areas in hot climates, offering relief for people, livestock, and crops. Soil Improvement: Its extensive root system helps prevent erosion, while its leaf litter enriches the soil with organic matter. Wildlife Habitat: Provides food and shelter for various bird species, insects, and other wildlife. Timber Resource: Known for its high-quality, durable wood, widely used in furniture-making, construction, and crafting. Uses: Ornamental Landscaping: Perfect for parks, gardens, and avenues due to its attractive foliage and flowers. Agroforestry: Often planted alongside crops to provide shade and improve soil fertility in agroforestry systems. Food and Medicine: The fruits are edible and nutritious, while parts of the tree are used in traditional medicine for treating ailments such as coughs and skin issues. Timber: The wood is highly valued for making furniture, doors, panels, and musical instruments due to its durability and workability. Adaptability: Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, adapting well to both highland and lowland conditions. Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soils but can tolerate a variety of soil types. Growth Rate: Fast-growing, making it an excellent choice for reforestation and afforestation projects.
