Cordia Dichotoma

Description

Cordia Dichotoma, also known as Lasora or Gunda, is a deciduous medicinal plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant has a straight trunk with a greyish-brown bark and can grow up to 15 meters in height. The leaves are green, smooth, and oval-shaped, with serrated margins. The flowers are small, white, and bell-shaped, and the fruit is a round, fleshy drupe that turns yellowish-orange when ripe.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Boraginales
Family	Boraginaceae
Genus	Cordia
Species	Cordia Dichotoma

Appearance

Cordia Dichotoma is a medium-sized tree with an average height of 8-10 meters. The trunk is straight and cylindrical, with a greyish-brown bark that peels off in small flakes. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped, with a smooth texture and serrated margins. They are about 6-10 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. The tree produces small, white, bell-shaped flowers that grow in clusters. The fruit is a round, fleshy drupe that turns yellowish-orange when ripe and contains a single seed.

Care Guide

Cordia Dichotoma is a hardy tree that requires minimal care once established. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth.Soil: Cordia Dichotoma prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, but it can tolerate some shade.Hardiness Zones: Cordia Dichotoma is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F (-7°C).

Common Pests & Diseases

Cordia Dichotoma is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to some problems, such as:Pests: The plant can be attacked by aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.Diseases: The plant can be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering to prevent these diseases.

Habitat

Cordia Dichotoma is native to India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and is commonly found in dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and grasslands. It can also be found in cultivated fields and roadside plantations. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought and heat.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Cordia Dichotoma a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Cordia Dichotoma has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as fever, asthma, and diarrhea.Q: How do I propagate Cordia Dichotoma?
A: The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil in spring, or take stem cuttings in summer and root them in moist soil.Q: Can Cordia Dichotoma be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, but it requires a large pot and regular pruning to control its size.Q: Is Cordia Dichotoma a fast-growing tree?
A: No, the plant is a slow-growing tree that can take several years to reach its maximum height.

Related Plants

Here are some plants that are related to Cordia Dichotoma:

• Cordia africana
• Cordia boissieri
• Cordia dichotoma var. wallichii
• Cordia gharaf
• Cordia glabrata
• Cordia myxa

References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3912889/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1995764515000808
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262777820_CORDIA_DICHOTOMA_GUNDA_A_REVIEW_ON_ITS_PHARMACOLOGICAL_AND_NUTRITIONAL_PROPERTIES
• https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/cordia/growing-cordia-trees.htm
• https://www.natureword.com/properties-and-benefits-of-lasora-cordia-dichotoma/