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What is Cordia?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

Cordia is a genus of flowering shrubs and trees with about 300 species. Cordia is found worldwide in warm climates. Common names for plants in this genus include manjack and bocote.

Cordia plants are cultivated for their ornamental properties, as well as for their wood and fruit. Common names for the fruit include clammy cherries, glue berries, gunda, sebesten, and snotty gobbles. Cordia fruit, particularly that of C. dichotoma, or Fragrant Manjack, is popular in India and Taiwan, where it may be pickled, cooked, or eaten raw.

The fruit from the C. boissieri variety of Cordia can be made into a cough syrup.
The fruit from the C. boissieri variety of Cordia can be made into a cough syrup.

The wood of the Cordia may be used for furniture, cabinetry, boat building, and musical instruments, including guitars and drums. Species cultivated for their timber include C. abyssinica, C. alliodora or Ecuador Laurel, C. dodecandra or Ziricote, C. gerascanthus or Spanish Elm, C. goeldiana, C. millenii, C. myxa, and C. platythrysa.

C. boissieri, an evergreen, white flowered shrub with a natural range from southern Texas in the United States to central Mexico, is the state flower of Nuevo León in Mexico. Its yellowish green fruits are slightly poisonous when raw, causing dizziness, but can safely be made into jelly. A syrup made from the fruit is also used as a dye and a remedy for cough, while the leaves are used to treat rheumatism and pulmonary complaints.

Cordia myxa fruit can be used to promote healthy hair growth.
Cordia myxa fruit can be used to promote healthy hair growth.

C. myxa, commonly called Assyrian Plum or Lasura, among other names, is another Cordia species with edible fruit. It is indigenous to China, but is grown throughout Asia and has a nearly worldwide range in tropical regions. C. myxa is deciduous, and its white, hairy flowers bloom in March or April.

C. myxa fruit, appearing in July or August, is pale brown to pink, and sweet. It is eaten raw, pickled, and used to make a medicinal broth. The fruit is used to promote hair growth and healthy digestion, while the leaves and bark are used to treat cough. The timber of the plant is also highly valued and used for a number of woodworking applications.

C. myxa may be used to treat cough.
C. myxa may be used to treat cough.

C. subcordata, native to eastern Africa, South and Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and the Pacific Islands, has edible seeds that were historically eaten in times of famine. It has bright orange blooms traditionally used to make leis, and the ancient Hawaiians extracted a dye from the leaves. C. sebestena, or the Geiger Tree, is native to the American tropics. It has edible, though bland, fruits, and is cultivated mainly for its beautiful, bright red flowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cordia and where can it be found?

Dizziness can occur when ingesting raw C. boissieri.
Dizziness can occur when ingesting raw C. boissieri.

Cordia is a genus of flowering plants in the borage family, Boraginaceae, comprising around 300 species. These plants are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. They thrive in a variety of habitats, from forests to coastal areas.

What are some common uses of Cordia species?

Cordia species are versatile and have numerous uses. They are often used for their wood in furniture making and construction due to its durability. Some species produce edible fruits that are consumed locally, while others have medicinal properties and are used in traditional remedies. The plants are also ornamental and can be found in gardens and parks.

Are Cordia trees endangered?

While some Cordia species are abundant, others face threats from habitat loss and overexploitation. For instance, Cordia sebestena is listed as vulnerable in Honduras due to deforestation. Conservation efforts are important to protect these species, and some are included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species to monitor their status.

Can Cordia species be grown in home gardens?

Yes, certain Cordia species can be grown in home gardens, particularly in warmer climates. Species like Cordia sebestena, known for its striking orange flowers, are popular ornamental plants. They require well-drained soil, moderate watering, and plenty of sunlight to thrive, making them suitable for gardeners in suitable zones.

What wildlife benefits from Cordia plants?

Cordia plants are ecologically significant, providing food and habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Their flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while their fruits are a food source for birds and mammals. The dense foliage also offers shelter and nesting sites for various animal species.

How do Cordia species contribute to traditional medicine?

Many Cordia species have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. For example, Cordia myxa has been used to treat respiratory conditions, while Cordia dichotoma's fruit is believed to have digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. These uses are often based on the bioactive compounds found in different parts of the plants, such as leaves, bark, and fruits.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a AllThingsNature editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a AllThingsNature editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

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    • The fruit from the C. boissieri variety of Cordia can be made into a cough syrup.
      By: pogonici
      The fruit from the C. boissieri variety of Cordia can be made into a cough syrup.
    • Cordia myxa fruit can be used to promote healthy hair growth.
      By: darkfreya
      Cordia myxa fruit can be used to promote healthy hair growth.
    • C. myxa may be used to treat cough.
      By: javy
      C. myxa may be used to treat cough.
    • Dizziness can occur when ingesting raw C. boissieri.
      By: Antonioguillem
      Dizziness can occur when ingesting raw C. boissieri.