Cordia sebestena, commonly known as the Geiger tree, is a tropical or subtropical ornamental tree celebrated for its vibrant orange flowers and broad, lush foliage. Native to the Caribbean and parts of Central America, this evergreen tree thrives in warm climates and is widely planted in tropical and coastal regions around the world. Typically reaching a height of 15 to 25 feet, it develops a rounded canopy with spreading branches and rough, dark green leaves that are thick, ovate, and covered in a slightly sandpapery texture. The most notable feature of Cordia sebestena is its brilliant clusters of tubular, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom nearly year-round, providing continuous color and attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. The tree also produces small, white, pear-shaped fruits that are mildly fragrant but not commonly consumed. Cordia sebestena prefers full sun and well-drained soil and demonstrates excellent tolerance to salt spray and drought, making it especially well-suited for coastal landscapes. It is often used as an accent tree in gardens, parks, and streetscapes, valued for both its ornamental qualities and its relatively low maintenance needs. Its bold color, compact size, and adaptability make Cordia sebestena a favored choice for enhancing tropical and subtropical outdoor spaces.
Growing Instructions for the Geiger Tree
The seeds have a hard seed coat that has to be treated, or scarified, in order for water to enter the seeds so that they can sprout. 1. Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat. 2. Soak the seeds in water for several hours. 3. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot. 4. Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. 5. Water the seeds. 6. Place the pots in an area with warm temperatures in full sun or part shade. The seeds take several weeks to germinate. 7. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.
