Cordia dichotoma
| Lasora (Cordia dichotoma) | |
|---|---|
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| |
| Scientific name | Cordia dichotoma |
| Common names | Lasora; Indian cherry; clammy cherry |
| Genus | Cordia |
| Family | Cordiaceae |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Fruit type | Drupe |
| Growth form | Deciduous tree |
| Native range | South and Southeast Asia to northern Australia |
| Mature height | Usually 3 to 4 m; larger trees also occur |
| Soil | Deep, moist sandy loam; adaptable if drainage is adequate |
| Water | Regular moisture; tolerates seasonal dryness when roots reach moisture |
| Sun | Full light for established trees; young plants need some protection |
| Germination | Epigeous; usually 1 or 2 seedlings per stone |
| Harvest | Immature fruit is pickled or cooked; ripe fruit turns dark and becomes mucilaginous |
Lasora or Indian cherry (Cordia dichotoma) is a deciduous fruit tree of the borage family, Cordiaceae. It occurs from South and Southeast Asia through Malaysia to northern Australia, and is found in dry-deciduous, moist-deciduous, tidal, and monsoon forests. The accepted name is Cordia dichotoma.[1][2]
The tree is cultivated and also gathered from the wild for its fruit and other uses. Its natural settings range from open woods on slopes and mountain streamsides to moist, shady ravines and valleys, so water availability and local seasonality are important when it is grown.[3]
Description[edit | edit source]
Cordia dichotoma is usually a small tree with a short bole and spreading crown, commonly about 3 to 4 m tall, although larger specimens can reach 20 m or more. It is deciduous, and young seedlings are sensitive to frost and strong sun.[3]
The fruit is a yellow or pinkish-yellow, shining, globose to ovoid drupe about 15 mm across, seated in an enlarged saucer-like calyx. It turns black as it ripens and the pulp becomes viscid. The hard stone contains one to four seeds.[3]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
This is a tropical and subtropical tree recorded from sea level to about 1,500 m. It tolerates a broad rainfall range, but in drier settings it performs best beside streams or in other depressions where moisture persists. In a seasonal climate, keep the root zone supplied during dry periods while allowing excess water to drain.[3]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
Deep, moist sandy loam is preferred, although the species grows on a range of soils. Streamside ground, moist valleys, and drainage depressions reflect its preference for available water. Choose a site that holds moisture but drains after heavy rain; maintain organic matter and avoid prolonged anaerobic saturation.[3]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Established trees grow in open woods and require strong overhead light. Seedlings and saplings tolerate some shade, and young seedlings should be protected from hot sun. Humid monsoon and moist-forest conditions suit the species, while exposed dry sites require more dependable soil moisture.[3]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
The species occurs across dry-deciduous, moist-deciduous, tidal, and monsoon forests, so leaf fall, flowering, and harvest vary by region. In cultivation, increase water as the local wet season begins and reduce irrigation only where the soil remains adequately moist.[3]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Propagation is primarily by seed. The stone can produce one or two epigeous seedlings, and fresh seed should be sown in a moist medium. Seedlings should be protected from frost, browsing, fire, and excessive sun while young. Seedlings large enough for planting may require several months in a nursery, with the time varying by altitude and growing conditions.[3]
The tree also coppices and pollards well.[3]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
Cordia dichotoma is cultivated for its fruits throughout much of its natural range. Flowering and harvest timing vary with regional seasonality, so a single calendar should not be assumed.[3]
Harvest use depends on maturity. Immature fruits are pickled and used as a vegetable. Ripe fruits are eaten raw or cooked; the flesh is sweet and mucilaginous, and the fruit darkens as it ripens.[3]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The fruit is used fresh or cooked, while immature fruit is pickled or prepared as a vegetable. Flowers and leaves are also recorded as edible in traditional-use accounts. The species has medicinal-use records involving bark, leaves, and fruit; these are traditional-use records rather than established medical treatment.[3]
The fruits have also been used to stupefy fish. That use is not a food recommendation and should not be confused with safe preparation of ripe fruit.[3]
Photos[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ [1] GBIF species match: Cordia dichotoma. Accepted exact match; taxonomy and classification.
- ↑ [2] Plants of the World Online: Cordia dichotoma. Accepted-name and distribution record.
- ↑ [3] Useful Tropical Plants: Cordia dichotoma. Habitat, morphology, cultivation, propagation, fruit, and use account.
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