Our mystery seeds from last week are from a plant that is relatively new to landscape use in Arizona and gaining popularity, the little leaf cordia, Cordia parvifolia. Cordia’s are sometimes called “Geiger trees” in homage to Captain Geiger who first grew one in Florida (story here).

little-leaf-cordia-flower-cluster

Little leaf cordia has lovely clusters of crisp, white flowers.

lifftle-leaf-seed-formation

The seeds form in these fuzzy pods. The seeds apparently do not germinate readily, and the plants are often grown from cuttings.

little-leaf-cordia-leaves

In case you were wondering, the little leaf cordia does have relatively small, gray-green leaves.

little-leaf-cordia-branch

It is a medium-sized shrub that tolerates dry conditions and heat very well.

little-leaf-cordia-flower

Do any cordias or Geiger trees grow where you live? What do their seeds look like?