Cordia boissieri

Cordia boissieri is a white-flowered, evergreen shrub or small tree in the family Cordiaceae. 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.

Description

Cordia boissieri reaches a height of, with a symmetrical round crown in diameter. The ovate leaves are long and wide. It is evergreen but will lose leaves if it suffers frost damage The white, funnel-shaped flowers are across and are present on the tree throughout the year. The drupes are yellow-green, olive-like, and 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.

Uses

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.

Ecology

Cordia boissieri is a host plant for the wild olive tortoise beetle.

Symbolism

Anacahuita is the official flower of the state of Nuevo León in Mexico.