Cordia boissieri

Cordia boissieri

''Cordia boissieri'' is a species of flowering shrub or small tree in the borage family, Boraginaceae. Its native range extends from southern Texas in the United States south to central Mexico. Common names include Anacahuita, Mexican Olive, White Cordia, and Texas Wild Olive.
Texas Olive Fruit Fruit beginning to ripen in the fall of the Arizona desert. Temperatures are in the mid 70's F in November. Cordia boissieri,Fall,Geotagged,United States

Appearance

''C. boissieri'' reaches a height of 5–7 m , with a symmetrical round crown 3–5 m in diameter. The ovate leaves are 9–18 cm long and 5–9 cm wide. It is evergreen but will lose leaves if it suffers frost damage The white, funnel-shaped flowers are 3–5 cm across and are present on the tree throughout the year. The drupes are yellow-green, olive-like, and 1.2–2.4 cm in length. They are sweet but slightly toxic when fresh, causing dizziness in humans and other animals. The tree has a lifespan of 30-50 years.
Texas Wild Olive Full flowering "olive" shrub not bearing edible fruit but has gorgeous flowers that last the whole spring season into the summer months. Taken on a "naked" iPhone 6 with flash. Cordia boissieri,mexican olive,texas wild olive

Habitat

''C. boissieri'' is a host plant for the Wild Olive Tortoise Beetle .

Uses

Jellies made from the fruits are reportedly safe to eat. A syrup made from the fruits is used to dye cloth and treat coughs. The leaves are used to alleviate rheumatism and pulmonary illness. The wood is used as firewood and for carpentry. Anacahuita is cultivated as an ornamental for its compact size and showy flowers. It is hardy to USDA Zone 9a.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
DivisionAngiosperms
ClassEudicots
OrderBoraginales
FamilyBoraginaceae
GenusCordia
SpeciesC. boissieri
Photographed in
United States of America