Cordia africana aka East African Cordia

Cordia africana is an evergreen tree in the Boraginaceae family. It can also grow as a shrub. Its native range spans tropical and southern Africa. It also includes southwest Arabia, the Comoros, and central Madagascar. It grows in savannah woodland, scrub, and beside rivers. In Tanzania, it also grows in pasture. The species has a Least Concern conservation status.

Most trees reach 13–49 feet [4–15 metres] in height. Exceptional trees can reach 98 feet [30 metres]. Many branches form a broad, rounded or umbrella-like crown. The trunk is often short, with an uneven shape. This is more marked in dry sites. Trunks can reach about 2 feet [0.6 metres] across. The tree keeps its leaves year-round. Bees pollinate its flowers. The oval fruit turns yellow and measures about half an inch long.

This tree suits warm sites in the dry to moist tropics. It grows best in full sun and moist soil. It prefers deep, light soil that drains well. Yet it can grow in most soil types. Its preferred soil pH is 5–6, though it tolerates 4.5–7. Best growth occurs with daytime temperatures of 25–30°C. Frost can cause serious harm. Temperatures of −2°C or lower may kill mature trees. Young growth can suffer severe damage at −1°C. Reports place growth between slow and moderately fast.

People grow this tree for shade, fruit, timber, and ornament. Farmers also use it to shade coffee plants. The brown heartwood may have pink or red tones. It works well with hand tools and machines. It also holds screws and nails well. Termites and pinhole borers can attack the wood. These reports concern timber, rather than a stated garden pest problem. Seeds offer a way to raise new trees. Sown seeds may start sprouting after about two weeks.

People eat the fruit raw or cook its pulp with porridge. They also mix fruit with honey to make sweets. The seed kernels are edible and have a walnut-like taste. The source lists no known hazards, but gives no pet-safety assessment. Traditional remedies use the leaves, roots, bark, and wood ash. These records describe local uses, not proof of safe treatment.