Ehretia acuminata aka Brown Cedar

Ehretia acuminata, or kodo wood, belongs to the Boraginaceae family. Its native range spans Asia and eastern Australia. It grows in open woods, slope thickets, and rainforest edges. Garden trees reach about 20–25 feet (6.1–7.6 metres) tall and wide. Across its range, heights span 10–49 feet (3–15 metres). Australian trees can reach 98 feet (30 metres). The crown is dense, with an upright, straight trunk. Trees often keep their leaves but may shed them during drought.

The bark is dark brown to gray, with deep vertical cracks. The trunk base has grooves that give it a fluted shape. Young stems are brown and smooth, with clear lenticels. Simple green leaves grow in an alternate pattern along branches. They have an oval shape, clear veins, and pointed tips. Fine teeth line their edges, and fine hairs cover their tops. Leaves measure about 0.33–0.5 feet (0.10–0.15 metres) long.

Small white flowers open in summer and give off a light scent. Each flower has five parts and a bell-like shape. They grow in panicles about 0.67 feet (0.20 metres) long. Insects pollinate the flowers. Clusters of pea-sized fruit add color to the autumn crown. The fruit starts yellow-orange, then turns black as it ripens. Each fruit holds four seeds. Birds visit the tree for its fruit. People eat the sweet ripe fruit raw and pickle unripe fruit.

Kodo wood grows best in full sun and a sheltered site. It needs moist sandy loam that drains well, with moderate fertility. It also tolerates soil that contains lime. In continental climates, it can cope with some shade. Maritime sites need more sun to help new wood mature. North Carolina State lists it for USDA zones 6–9. Spring shoots can suffer frost damage, even on mature trees. Very rich soil promotes soft growth that is more prone to winter harm. Water during drought, and shelter trees from early morning sun after frost.

The tree provides shade in gardens, parks, and street plantings. Its flowers, fruit, and dense crown suit use as a specimen. Fallen fruit can make a mess, and nursery stock may be scarce. North Carolina State reports no major pest or disease problems. The wood serves for furniture, building, and carrying poles. Sources record medicinal use of bark, leaves, and young branches. These uses do not establish safety or treatment value. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards. Useful Tropical Plants reports an IUCN Least Concern assessment from 2019.