Cordia dodecandra

Cordia dodecandra is a small tree in the family Cordiaceae native to southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Description

Cordia dodecandra grows to a maximum height of at maturity. Flowers are produced in clusters at branch ends from February to May. Each flower is wide, bright orange in color, tubular, flaring with 11–18 lobes, bearing 13–18 stamens that are not equal in length. Short stamens are intercalated between long ones, resulting in two levels of stamens. The species is heterostylous and has been shown to be self-incompatible. White fruits follow the flowers, averaging in length. The fruits are locally made into sweets which are traditionally used to celebrate Day of the Dead.

Uses

Ziricote wood is dark brown in color and has a Janka hardness of. It is used for furniture, veneer, cabinetry, flooring, gun stocks, musical instruments, entrance doors, turnings, decorative beams, trim, and small specialty items.