Cordia africana or Sudan teak is a mid-sized, white-flowered, evergreen tree in the borage family (Boraginaceae), native to Africa. It produces edible fruit, and its wood is used for drums or other carpentry.
East African cordia has strong disease resistance and is generally not susceptible to diseases. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs little watering, and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. East African cordia is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not require extensive care experience.
How to keep Cordia Africana.
Light
East African cordia prospers in the uninterrupted brightness of the sun. A generous amount of sunlight supports its healthy growth and development. Its native habitat is in areas plentiful in sunlight. Adequate light encourages optimal growth, whereas insufficient light can cause poor health and growth problems.
Humidity
This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.
Temperature
East African cordia comes from tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is well adapted to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature shifts and prefers a stable thermal environment, so indoor temperature fluctuations should be avoided. It usually cannot endure cold and needs warmer conditions to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize an East African Cordia is in early spring as it breaks dormancy. This encourages overall growth and flower development. Fertilization improves foliage, stems, and branches and supports the production of large, vibrant, long-lasting flowers. It helps transport nutrients from the roots to the blooms and enhances the plant's health and resistance to disease.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Cordia
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 0 m to 15 m
- Mature Spread
- 7.92 m to 11.89 m
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Fall
- Native Area
- Saudi Arabia, Malawi, Angola, South Africa, Zambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Nigeria, Guinea, Yemen, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Chad, Mali, Cameroon, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Congo (DRC), Central African Republic
Other names.
