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Ehretia acuminata

Phonetic Spelling
eh-RET-ee-uh ah-kew-min-AY-tah
Description

Kodo wood is a tree in the Boraginaceae family that is native to Asia and Australia. The tree varies widely in its range depending on where it is growing. Kodo wood has flowers with a delicate fragrance and showy edible fruits that attract birds. As the fruits form, the whole canopy becomes covered with berries, adding interest to the fall garden.  It will grow up to 25 feet tall and wide with a thick canopy. It is an evergreen tree but during a drought, it may become deciduous. Plant in a location that provides shelter.  

Kodo wood prefers full sun and well-drained, moderately fertile, moist, sandy loam soil. Be sure to water during a drought. Use as a shade tree, specimen or accent in a yard, park or along a street. The fruits may be messy. This tree may be difficult to find for sale.

The wood from Kodo Wood is strong, yet lightweight, and often used to build furniture and as carrying poles.  

When propagating from seed, ensure that the flesh is removed from the fruit.  Rapid germination is common.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant#fragrant flowers#fall interest#delicate#edible fruits#star shaped flowers#black fruits#orange fruits#parks#deciduous tree#bird friendly#tropical feel#shade intolerant#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant#fragrant flowers#fall interest#delicate#edible fruits#star shaped flowers#black fruits#orange fruits#parks#deciduous tree#bird friendly#tropical feel#shade intolerant#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Ehretia
    Species:
    acuminata
    Family:
    Boraginaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    The timber is used for building and furniture. The leaves and branchlets are used in Chinese medicine.
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Tropical Asia to Australia
    Wildlife Value:
    Birds are attracted to the fruits.
    Play Value:
    Edible fruit
    Fragrance
    Shade
    Wildlife Food Source
    Edibility:
    Fruit is sweet and can be eaten raw. Immature fruits can be pickled.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 20 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 20 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12-24 feet
    24-60 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Gold/Yellow
    Orange
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Drupe
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Forming in clusters, the small sweet-tasting fruits turns from Yellow-orange to black. Each is about the size of a pea and contains four seeds. Unripe fruit can be used as a pickle.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Tiny white 5 parted flowers on 8 in. panicle.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Obovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are elliptic to oval and green with distinct veining. Margins have fine teeth and the upper surface has fine hairs. The base is broad cuneate and apex acute. 4- 6 inches long by 1.5-2 inches wide.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Brown
    Dark Gray
    Surface/Attachment:
    Fissured
    Bark Description:
    Dark brown-gray bark with vertical fissures and fluted base.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Lenticels:
    Conspicuous
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    Young stems are smooth and brown with distinct lenticels.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Patio
    Recreational Play Area
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Children's Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Edible Garden
    Design Feature:
    Flowering Tree
    Shade Tree
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Songbirds