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Description
Cordia Dodecandra, also known as Mexican Olive, is a tree native to Mexico and Central America. It belongs to the Boraginaceae family and can grow up to 30 feet tall. The tree is known for its beautiful flowers that bloom in clusters and its edible fruits. The bark of the Cordia Dodecandra is greyish-brown and has a rough texture. The tree is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for ornamental purposes and as a source of timber.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Cordia |
| Species | Dodecandra |
Appearance
The Cordia Dodecandra has oval-shaped leaves that are about 3-6 inches long and 1-3 inches wide. The leaves are dark green and have a glossy texture. The tree produces small white flowers that are about 1 inch in diameter and bloom in clusters. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and attract bees and butterflies. The fruit of the Cordia Dodecandra is edible and resembles an olive. The fruit is about 1 inch long and 0.5 inches wide and turns from green to yellow when ripe.
Care Guide
To care for the Cordia Dodecandra, it is important to provide it with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Water the tree deeply once a week, especially during the dry season. Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer every three months. The Cordia Dodecandra is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cordia Dodecandra is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is not well-draining. Aphids and spider mites can also infest the tree, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Cordia Dodecandra is native to Mexico and Central America but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including the Caribbean, South America, and Asia. The tree grows in tropical and subtropical regions and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and wetlands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the fruit of the Cordia Dodecandra edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible and has a sweet taste.
Q: How tall can the Cordia Dodecandra grow?
A: The tree can grow up to 30 feet tall.
Q: Does the Cordia Dodecandra require full sun?
A: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Cordia Dodecandra?
A: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Cordia Boissieri
- Cordia Collococca
- Cordia Sebestena
- Cordia Subcordata
References
- “Cordia Dodecandra.” Floridata. Accessed 20 August 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/278.
- “Cordia Dodecandra.” Plant Finder. Accessed 20 August 2021. https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1999/mexican-olive/.
- “Mexican Olive, Cordia Dodecandra.” World Agroforestry. Accessed 20 August 2021. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=23628.
