Cordia sebestena aka Geranium Tree

Cordia sebestena is also called Geiger tree. It belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and Florida. UF/IFAS lists northern South America as part of its range too. It grows in dry thickets near the coast. It also grows on sand and limestone sites. In Florida, it grows on rich soils too. Useful Tropical Plants cites a 2014 IUCN review. That review classed the tree as Least Concern.

This tree grows slowly, with a round or vase-shaped crown. Garden trees reach 25–30 feet [7.6–9.1 metres] tall. They spread 20–25 feet [6.1–7.6 metres] wide. One account gives heights near 33 feet [10 metres]. It notes that trees in gardens may grow larger. Trees often have several trunks, with low branches that droop. Growers can train them to have one trunk. Deep grooves mark the dark gray or brown bark. The leaves are simple, with one blade each. They grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. Their shape is oval, and their edges are wavy. The tops feel rough. Fine hairs cover the paler leaf undersides. Leaves stay green, with no showy fall change. The tree may lose leaves in long droughts or some climates.

Orange-red flowers grow in groups at the branch tips. Each flower has a funnel shape. They bloom through much of the year. Spring and summer bring the most blooms. The egg-shaped fruit turns from green to white as it ripens. Each sweet-smelling drupe holds one to four seeds. People eat the fruit raw or cooked. Views on its taste differ. Some report poor taste and flesh full of fibres. Others call the flesh sweet and slippery. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards. This does not prove safety for every use or for pets.

Grow this tree in full sun or part shade. It takes sand, loam, and clay that drain well. It tolerates acid and alkaline soils too. Once established, trees stand up to drought and salt spray. They also cope with brackish water. UF/IFAS lists USDA zones 10b–11 but warns against frost. Prune to help build a sound branch structure. Raise new plants from seeds or by layering.

Geiger tree suits gardens near the coast, patios, pots, and street sites. Its roots rarely cause trouble. Fallen leaves and fruit make litter. Mites, scales, and caterpillars may attack it. Geiger beetles can strip its leaves, but trees tend to recover. UF/IFAS reports no major disease problems. Local craftspeople use the hard wood for furniture and building work. Folk remedies use the fruit, leaves, bark, and flowers. These recorded uses do not prove medical benefit.