Cordia afra (Previously known as Cordia caffra and renamed to the more appropriate Cordia afra) is a breath taking tree that possesses almost all the qualities of the ideal city garden tree; very attractive with or without its leaves, small to medium in size, interesting, smooth, light brown bark, its showy deep orange edible fruit can be eaten by both humans and birds alike and it is relatively frost hardy. What more could you ask for! This tree is usually small to medium but sometimes, in the wild, given optimum conditions, can reach heights of up to 20 m or more. Although it sheds its leaves in winter, the tree is still attractive, displaying its light brown trunk and branches majestically. The bark is smooth with patches flaking off, leaving behind interesting natural scars. The stem resembles that of the lekkerbreek, Ochna pulchra and also the smooth-barked guava tree.

The thin leaves are alternate, with a slightly toothed margin, shiny dark green above and paler green below. The scented, cream-white, bell-shaped flowers are borne in clusters at the end of the branches in spring/early summer. The fleshy fruits are deep orange drupes and look attractively appetizing to both humans and birds when ripe. They are edible, but not very tasty. Birds, especially the coucal, feast on them. The large calyx forms a saucer around the base of the fruit and may account for the common name.

Parts of this tree are used medicinally to treat sore eyes, fever and wounds. The sapwood is used to build huts, and dry sticks rubbed together are used to make fire caused by friction heat. The durable pinkish heartwood is used to make attractive furniture. It polishes nicely and is easy to work with, as it does not chip when cut and planed.