Cordia caffra (Septee tree)

Cordia caffra is such a gorgeous tree that it should be planted far more extensively in cities and towns throughout the country. The beautiful, dense crown, decorative bark, masses of sweetly fragranced flowers and eye catching orange fruit ensure that the Septee tree looks lovely throughout the warmer months while in winter, the interesting patterns created by the bare branches, add a dramatic accent to the landscape. The decorative fruit, although edible, is not very tasty, birds however, find it quite irresistible while bees and insects are attracted to the fragrant flowers.

 

TREE DETAILS
Botanical Name	Cordia caffra
Common Name	Septee tree
Genus	Boraginaceae
RSA National Tree No’	652
LANDSCAPING USES
The Septee tree is so decorative and has so many attributes that make it ideal for the urban landscape that it can be used in numerous situations. This small to medium sized tree is perfect for creating a truly breathtaking focal point in any landscape, large or small, or for planting as a beautiful avenue along driveways, roads or waterways. Planted in groups in larger gardens or parks, these delightful trees will provide permanent interest. The rewarding Septee tree will grow quickly, creating an established look in a fairly short time. Cordia caffra responds well to pruning making this an ideal choice for creating privacy along property boundaries as well as areas where space is restricted.
TREE SPECIFICATIONS
Height	6 – 7m
Spread	4 - 5 m
Deciduous/Evergreen	Deciduous
Growth Habit	The lovely Cordia caffra occurs naturally in forest, coastal forest and riverine bush
Bark	The attractive, smooth bark is creamy brown with pinkish mottling. Areas where the bark flakes off are pale grey to white underneath
Foliage	The thin, drooping, alternate leaves are glossy dark green above and paler green below. They are ovate to narrowly ovate with a slightly toothed margin
Flowers	From September to November, the pretty, sweetly fragranced, creamy white, bell shaped flowers appear in terminal clusters
Fruit	The abundant, striking fruit consists of a deep orange drupe with a large, cup like calyx
Seed	Seed is contained in a small capsule and has a pleated cotyledon
GROWING REQUIREMENTS
Growing regions	The Septee tree occurs along the coastal forests of the Transkei and Kwa Zulu Natal up to southern Mozambique and north eastern Limpopo
Growing conditions	Cordia caffra prefers a semi shaded position but will also do well in full sun. Plant in a large hole to which plenty of compost and organic fertiliser have been added. Protect the stem from frost for the first few winters
Best season	Spring
Hardiness	Cordia caffra will tolerate windy conditions as well as light frost
Propagation	Sow seeds in a good seedling mixture and keep moist. The seed germinates readily.
Growth rate	Fairly fast, trees will reach flowering stage in approximately 7 years
INTERESTING FEATURES
The attractive heart wood of Cordia caffra is pinkish in colour, easy to work with and polishes beautifully, making it suitable for the manufacture of fine furniture. Young wood is used for building huts while dried sticks are used for starting fires the traditional way through sparks caused by friction. Medicinally, parts of the tree are used for the treatment of fever, wounds and painful or inflamed eyes.

                C. caffra Foliage and Flowers                       C. caffra Fruit                                   C. caffra Bark