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

Medicinal Uses

Cordia sebestena, or Geiger tree, is used in traditional medicine for respiratory issues (cough, bronchitis), gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, dysentery, indigestion), inflammation, fever, and as a blood purifier, with leaves, bark, flowers, and fruits all having reported uses, though unripe fruit is poisonous. Research shows its extracts possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) properties, supporting its folkloric uses for various ailments like infections and liver disorders.

Traditional Medicinal Uses by Plant Part:

Leaves: Poultices for migraines, wounds, inflammation; used for respiratory issues, fever, coughs, bronchitis, diarrhea, and dysentery.
Bark: Astringent, hepatic stimulant; used in teas for coughs, diarrhea, and dysentery.
Flowers: Tea for malaria, catarrh (mucus), and edema; also used for coughs.
Fruit (Ripe): Emollient, demulcent (soothing); used for indigestion, fevers, spleen/kidney/lung issues, and as a blood purifier.
Fruit (Unripe): Considered poisonous.

Documented Pharmacological Activities:

Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant: Helps combat inflammation and free radicals.
Antimicrobial: Shows antibacterial potential against common bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli.
Hepatoprotective: Protects the liver, as shown in studies against induced liver damage.
Other: Also noted for analgesic (pain-relieving), antidiabetic (blood sugar-lowering), larvicidal, and anticancer activities.

Key Compounds:

Contains terpenoids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and fatty acids, contributing to its medicinal effects.

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).