Red Geiger

Scientific name: Cordia sebestena

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 55.28″ N, 64° 49′ 45.15″ W

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Observations:

Phenological Markers – Cordia sebestena (Geiger Tree)

Family: Boraginaceae
Common Names: Geiger Tree, Scarlet Cordia, Orange Geiger
Habitat: Native to the Florida Keys, Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. Commonly planted in tropical and subtropical regions for ornamental use. Grows well in coastal areas, limestone soils, and dry forests.

Phenological Markers:

  • Flowering Period:
    Blooms year-round in tropical climates, with peak flowering typically in late spring through summer (April to August). The large, showy, bright orange flowers are borne in clusters at branch tips.
  • Fruiting Period:
    Fruits mature 2–3 months after flowering, often from mid-summer to early fall (June to October). The fruit is a small, white, oval drupe, about 2–3 cm long, with a soft, sticky interior.
  • Leaf Fall:
    Evergreen, though some leaf drop may occur during dry seasons or after high winds. New leaves emerge quickly, maintaining overall canopy density.
  • Budding Period:
    New leaf and flower buds form continuously, with vigorous growth during the early rainy season (March to June).

Key Features:

  • Leaves: Dark green, rough-textured, ovate leaves with pronounced veins; evergreen and somewhat leathery.
  • Flowers: Trumpet-shaped, bright orange to reddish-orange, 5–7 cm across, borne in terminal clusters. Very attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators.
  • Fruits: White drupes with soft pulp, not typically consumed by humans but may be eaten by wildlife.

Additional Notes:

Requires good drainage and benefits from occasional pruning to shape its canopy.

Traditionally thought to be named by John James Audubon in honor of his friend John Geiger of Key West.

Cordia sebestena is salt-tolerant, drought-resistant, and thrives in coastal landscapes with poor or sandy soils.

It is widely used as a specimen tree for its vibrant floral display and modest size (usually 3–8 meters tall).

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