Mexican Olive
Anacahuita, Wild Olive
Cordia boissieri A. DC.
Whole plant
Family : Boraginaceae
Longevity : Perennial
Origin : Native
Season : Warm
Mexican Olive can only be found growing in the South Texas Plains. It is a small tree or shrub that usually only grows 2 to 3 feet tall, but ocassionally can reach a height of 30 feet. The big white flowers are 1 to 1 1/2 inches long and 2 to 2 1/2 inches wide and bloom throughout the year. The leaves are simple and are covered with short hairs, giving it a rough texture. The fruit is white or yellow green and turns brown with age. The fruit is edible and is used to make jelly and a cold and cough medicine in Mexico. Cattle, deer, and javelina also eat the fruit because of its sweetness, however it is said to produce dizziness and intoxication.
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