Family: Boraginaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 190 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cordia
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Florida (Keys) to Caribbean, Mexico to Venezuela
Description
The Geranium-tree: A Vibrant Addition to Your Garden
The Geranium-tree, scientifically known as Cordia sebestena, is a vibrant and eye-catching plant that has been a favorite among gardeners and botanists alike since its description in the 18th century. First documented by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, this plant belongs to the Boraginaceae family and is celebrated for its striking appearance and hardiness in tropical climates.
Habitat and Distribution
Native to a range stretching from the Florida Keys through the Caribbean and reaching down to Mexico and Venezuela, the Geranium-tree thrives in warm, sunny environments. Its natural habitat includes coastal regions and islands where it flourishes in sandy soils and withstands salt spray, making it an ideal choice for coastal landscaping.
Physical Characteristics
The Geranium-tree is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree, typically growing between 10 to 25 feet in height. Its most distinctive feature is its bright orange-red flowers, which bloom in clusters and stand out against the tree’s broad, dark green leaves. These flowers are not only visually appealing but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, adding ecological value to its ornamental appeal.
Cultivation and Care
The Geranium-tree is relatively low-maintenance and can be an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their landscapes. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and it is drought-tolerant once established. The tree can benefit from a well-drained soil mix and occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Pruning is minimal, generally limited to removing dead or damaged branches to maintain its shape and appearance.
Uses and Benefits
Apart from its ornamental value, the Geranium-tree has various practical uses. Its wood is relatively hard and can be utilized in light construction or for crafting small objects. In addition, the leaves and other parts of the tree are sometimes used in traditional medicine, given their purported anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
Ecological Impact
By planting a Geranium-tree, gardeners not only enhance the visual appeal of their gardens but also support local ecosystems. The tree serves as a habitat for birds and insects, promoting biodiversity in urban and suburban areas. Its flowers provide nectar and pollen, essential for a healthy pollinator population, which is crucial for the overall health of the environment.
Conclusion
The Geranium-tree (Cordia sebestena) is a delightful and resilient addition to any garden. Its bright flowers, easy care requirements, and ecological benefits make it a favored choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether you’re looking to add vibrant color to your yard or support local wildlife, the Geranium-tree is an excellent option that delivers on both fronts.
Common Names
Eng: largeleaf geigertree, geigertree, geranium-tree, large-leaf geigertree, geiger tree, scarlet accordia, broadleaf, dog almond, scarlet cordia
Spa: sanjuaquín, anacahuita, anaconda, siricote blanco
Deu: scharlach-kordie, sebestenenbaum
Por: sebesteira-verdadeira, córdia
Fra: bois râpe
En: Geranium-tree, Geigertree, Large-leaf geigertree, Largeleaf geigertree, Geiger Tree, Broadleaf, Scarlet Accordia, Dog Almond, Scarlet cordia, Anacahuita, Geranium tree, Siricote blanco
Bn: রক্তরাগ
Nl: Sebestenboom
Fi: Punakarhepuu
Fr: Bois râpe, Teck d’Arabie, Prunier sébeste, Sébestier
De: Scharlach-Kordie, Sebestenenbaum
Ml: കോർഡിയ സെബേസ്റ്റെന
Pl: Kostliwka szkarłatna
Pt: Sebesteira-verdadeira, Córdia
Es: Anacahuita, Anaconda, Siricote blanco, Sanjuaquín, Amarilla, San Bartolome, Cereza amarilla, Guaquin, Joaquin, Laurel, No me olvides, Vonitel colorado
Th: คอร์เดีย
Synonyms
- Lithocardium sebestana ((L.) Kuntze)
- Cordia speciosa (Salisb.)
- Sebestena sebestena ((L.) Britton ex Small)
Distribution
- Bahamas (native)
- Belize (native)
- Cayman Is. (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Southwest Caribbean (native)
- Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Bangladesh (introduced)
- Caroline Is. (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Line Is. (introduced)
- Marianas (introduced)
- Marshall Is. (introduced)
- Phoenix Is. (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Jun 12, 2020 by Minakshi Chintur (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 7, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 12, 2022 by Farias Tovitto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 22, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 28, 2020 by dominoel dominoel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 7, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 8, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 29, 2019 by armelle mathe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2019 by Mag Mag &co (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 18, 2022 by Nada Vergili (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 1, 2022 by Tintin Dupondt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 22, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 7, 2013 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2021 by Mélanie Herteman (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 21, 2021 by Logan Blackmon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2022 by emiliano pioltelli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2022 by blacktea_E (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Mar 25, 2014 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 8, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 8, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 8, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 8, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 24, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2021 by John Touma (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2021 by MaiteO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 8, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 17, 2022 by Mar celo (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5341289)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:65551-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cordia sebestena L.)