About Cordia dodecandra DC.
Cordia dodecandra DC. reaches a mature maximum height of 7.5–9 m (25–30 ft). It produces flower clusters at the ends of its branches from February to May. Individual flowers are 50 mm (2 in) wide, bright orange, and salverform: shaped like a flared tubular trumpet, with 11–18 lobes. Each flower holds 13–18 stamens of uneven length; short stamens sit between long stamens, forming two distinct stamen levels. This heterostylous species is confirmed to be self-incompatible. After flowering, it develops white fruits that average 50 mm (2 in) in length. These fruits are used locally to make sweets traditionally prepared for Day of the Dead celebrations. The dark brown ziricote wood of this species has a Janka hardness of 8.8 kN (1,970 lbf). It is used for furniture, veneer, cabinetry, flooring, gun stocks, musical instruments including guitars and ukuleles, entrance doors, turnings, decorative beams, trim, and small specialty items.
