Cordia boissieri aka Mexican Olive

Cordia boissieri is known as Texas olive or anacahuita. It belongs to the borage family, Boraginaceae. Its native range runs from southern Texas into Mexico. It grows in dry scrub, woodland, and near streams. This evergreen plant forms a large shrub or small tree. Useful Tropical Plants reports its conservation status as Least Concern.

In gardens, it reaches 15–20 feet [4.6–6.1 metres] tall. Its crown spreads 10–15 feet [3–4.6 metres] wide. Some plants reach 26 feet [8 metres] in height. Growth is slow, and the crown has a rounded shape. Several trunks often support branches that bend downward. The gray to pale brown bark splits into deep grooves. Loose strips peel from its surface. The branches have no thorns, and young twigs are brown. The simple, oval leaves grow in an alternate pattern. They feel soft, with gray-green tops and silvery undersides. Their edges are smooth, and their veins are pinnate.

White, trumpet-shaped flowers form groups at the branch tips. Each bloom has a yellow throat and spans about three inches. The main bloom season runs from late spring into early summer. With enough rain or irrigation, flowers may appear all year. Small, fleshy drupes follow the flowers and draw birds. Sources describe fruits as pale, greenish-yellow, or reddish-brown. Their flesh is sweet, and local people make syrup from them. Raw fruit may cause dizziness, so it is not risk-free. UF/IFAS also warns against eating large amounts.

Grow Texas olive in full sun or partial shade. It accepts clay, sand, and loam if water drains well. It also grows in both acid and alkaline soils. Moist soil suits it, but established plants withstand drought. UF/IFAS lists it for USDA zones 9a through 11. It tolerates cold near 20°F, though hard frost strips its leaves. Prune it to build a sound branch structure. It works as a lawn tree or shrub-border accent. It can also grow in containers with careful upkeep. Neither pests nor diseases pose major problems in the cited profile.

People also use this plant in folk medicine. Fruit jelly serves as a local cough and cold remedy. Leaf preparations have been used for joint and chest complaints. These reports describe traditional use, not proof of benefit. Historical trials found no useful effect from wood used against tuberculosis. The plant also supplies dye and wood for small items.