Mexican olive

Description:

The Mexican olive, aka Texas wild olive and anacahuita is a short evergreen shrub/tree that can reach 23 ft in height. The bark is deeply textured. The leaves are ovate and are used to alleviate rheumatism and pulmonary illness. The fruit is toxic but can be consumed in small quantities.

Habitat:

Spotted on a private ranch in Mission, Texas. Prefers open woods, meadows, and brushland habitats.

Notes:

Cordia boissieri is a host plant for the wild olive tortoise beetle (Physonota alutacea).