Cordia sebestena Seeds | Geiger Tree
LATIN NAME: Cordia sebestena
COMMON NAME: Geiger Tree
Plant Profile
Geiger Tree (Cordia sebestena) grows as a fine, generous tree, native to coastal hammocks of the florida keys, the west indies and central America. The Geiger tree is bright, seaside tree of warm coasts, and it is planted along shorelines of warm world for its bold, orange-red flowers and its tough, wind-hardy ways. Broad, round crown of rough, dark-green leaves is covered, through much of warm season, with clusters of showy, trumpet-shaped flowers, and white, fragrant fruit follows. It is a fine, generous tree for seaside garden. Few species give back so generously for so little effort.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the Cordia group, Cordia sebestena is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. The Geiger tree has a quiet but real presence in plant science, and it has been studied for its place in warm coastal planting and its tough, salt-tolerant ways. The upshot for anyone sowing it is reassurance — cultivated stock of this plant has a long, well-documented track record.
Uses & Benefits
Geiger Tree works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. The Geiger tree is grown for looks and for the shade. Bold, orange-red flowers put it among great flowering trees of warm coasts, and nectar pulls in birds and bees of the region. Hard, heavy, fine-grained wood has a traditional use for small turned and carved work, and tree is planted widely along warm shorelines for shade and the windbreak. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
Cordia fruits are sticky and edible across the tropics, with folk records for coughs and chest complaints reflected in old syrup recipes.
Growing from Seed
Geiger Tree is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Geiger Tree has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. Sun, free drainage and a patient first year are all it really requires.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Geiger Tree often pair it with these related subjects: