Ziricote, Cordia, Geiger tree
Cordia dodecandra

Family: Boraginaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 16 m high. It forms an open canopy. The leaves are tough and grey green. They are simple and 15 cm long. The flowers are large and orange. There are 12-16 petals. They are crimped along the edge. The fruit is slightly pear shaped and pale yellow. It is 5 cm across. The flesh is sweet. It is edible.

There are about 300 Cordia species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is native to Guatemala and Mexico. It grows in dry lowland regions. It often grows on coastal limestone. It can tolerate drought and salt. It needs full sunlight. The soil should be fertile and well drained.

Countries/locations it is found in

Belize, Central America, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, North America, West Indies

How it is used for food

The fruit are cooked and used for preserves and jams.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It is grown from seed. The hard seed coat needs to be broken. Seed germination is slow.

It is fairly slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Anacahuite, Canalete, Cericote, Chacopte, Ciritote, Copite, Cupape, K'oopte, Siricote, Trompillo

Synonyms

Cordia angiocarpa A. Rich.; Lithocardium angiocarpum (A. Rich.) Kuntze; Lithocardium dodecandrum (A. DC.) Kuntze; Plethostephia angiocarpa (A. Rich.) Miers;