Cordia boissieri
Family: Boraginaceae
Plant Description: Stout, short trunked, thick branched subtropical evergreen shrub or small tree to 4 m, rounded crown and thick, gray, ridged bark. Thick ovate to lanceolate leaves covered with a dense pubescence, velvety on top with a hairy, brown underside. Funnelform flowers white with yellow throat, tissue-like 35-45 mm long. Fruit, a drupe, 3-3 cm long, ovoid, aging to reddish brown.
Field Identification: This small tree is easily recognized for its prolific blooms of white tubular flowerers nearly year-round. It has a rough hairy/flaky bark and rough leaves.
Plant Trivia: This is one of the best hummingbird nectar sources, exceeding that of Turks Cap.
Occurrence: Occasional in brushy counties of Kleberg and Kenedy. Frequent in landscaping.
Bloom Period: Year-round but peak in late spring and early summer.
Plant Use: Landscaping. Fruit eaten by many birds and mammals; hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to its flowers; birds nest, roost and loaf in it. Livestock eat the fruit and utilize the shade during hot summer days. Medicinally has been used to cure sore throats and coughs, and the leaves to treat rheumatism and bronchial disturbances.
Key to the Genus Cordia:
- Plant an herb……………………………………..C. podocephala
Plant a shrub or tree……………. ……………..C. boissieri
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