Michael Charters, www.calflora.net
Family
Boraginaceae
Botanical Name
CORDIA sebestena
Plant Common Name
Broadleaf Cordia, Geiger-tree, Scarlet Cordia
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
A tough, resilient small flowering tree, the Geiger-tree bears rounded clusters of bright orange flowers intermittently across the tropical year. It is native to the coasts and forests across the Caribbean Basin, including northern South America. It was introduced into the Florida Keys by early settlers. Depending on the growing conditions, Geiger-tree may be an upright, oval-canopied tree or more of a large bush.
The plump, oval green leaves have a coarse, sandpaper texture. They usually are evergreen, but drought accompanied by low ambient humidity causes leaf drop. Anytime temperatures are warm, branch tip may produce clusters of crepe papery blossoms. Clusters resemble those seen on florist geraniums. Geiger-tree's flowers are funnel-shaped with six spreading lobes. Usually bright orange, some trees may bloom orange-red to pale orange. Fleshy white fruits may follow.
Grow Geiger-tree in as much sun as possible. It prospers in well-drained sandy soils. The tree makes an exceptional choice for coastal gardens or water-conservation landscapes. It tolerates heat and drought, also making it worthwhile as a tropical street tree where irrigation is limited. Geiger tree looks its best with evenly moist soil, especially in summer's intense heat.
The hungry black and white larvae of the tortoise beetle may completely defoliate the tree.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Orange
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Fruit Color
Ivory
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
