Cordia somaliensis
Family: Boraginaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. It can have spreading branches or branches that lie over. The bush is about 3 m across. The small branches have a dense white covering of hairs. The leaves are sword shaped and 7 cm long by 2.5 cm wide. There can be rounded teeth towards the tip. The base is wedge shaped. The leaves are slightly hairy on top. The flowers are in dense groups towards the ends of branches. They are white and have a scent. The fruit are orange. They are edible.
There are about 300 Cordia species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows near the coast. It can grow on sand dunes.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Mchimba-kasa, Mbwale, Mtia, Pumbazi