Cordia sebestena or Carawara Spanjo

The Cordia sebestena, is native to Florida, the Bahamas, Cuba and Central America. It is used for many years in Curaçao. In Emmastad are used as avenue trees and are over 70 years old.

The leaves feel rough (like sandpaper). The flowers are red or orange. The elliptical fruits are white. Some times local parakeets eat them. The big disadvantage of this tree is the mess of the falling fruits on the ground. The seeds germinate fairly quickly, causing wild growth.

It is a very strong tree that can grow up to 6 meters ( 20 ft). Very drought tolerant.