Locally known as Mexican olive or Anacahuita, Cordia boissieri is an ornamental shrub or tree to 30 ft, with large, soft, dark leaves and large, showy, trumpet-shaped white flowers with yellow throats that are sometimes described as looking like crepe paper or chiffon. Its sinuous trunk becomes picturesque as it ages.
Is Mexican olive tree fruit edible?
The olive-like, white fruits which are produced have a sweet flesh relished by birds and other wildlife and, although edible to man , should not be eaten in quantities.
Do olive trees grow in Mexico?
The Mexican olive tree (Cordia boissieri), also known as a wild olive or Texas olive tree, grows near water sources on the plains of southern Texas in the lower Rio Grande Valley. The tree also grows in Mexico .
Are Mexican olive trees messy?
The foliage and bark are drought tolerant and handles windy and coastal conditions. It is a bit messy for a patio or near the pool but breathtaking elsewhere in the garden. Birds eat the fruit and the flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Why are olive trees illegal?
Fruiting olive trees are banned in some areas of the southwest U.S. because of extensive dropping of fruits . This creates a problematic mess, clogging drains and staining driveways and decks. The fruits also attract undesirable wildlife. Flowers often produce pollen to which many are allergic.
Can you eat olives from Mexican olive tree?
While edible , the olives on a Mexican Olive tree are generally not consumed due to lack of taste and oil. In fact, Mexican Olive tree fruit and leaves are known to have been used for medicinal purposes.
Do olive trees have deep roots?
While other trees send their roots deep into the ground, olive trees feature shallow root systems . This allows olive roots to collect water from soil that typically dries fast, ensuring the tree gets enough moisture to stay hydrated. While shallow root systems get water faster, they can also become exposed more easily.
How long do Mexican olive trees live?
Olive plants (Olea europaea) require certain growing conditions, but they are capable of living for a very long time. In fact, The Science Times reports that olive trees around the world can live as long as 1,500 years, with an average life span of 500 years .
Are Texas olive trees poisonous to dogs?
There is no evidence to suggest that any part of the olive tree (Olea europaea) is poisonous to animals. Olive trees grow in the warm climates of U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10.
Do Mexican olive trees freeze?
It drops leaves in extreme freezes and can be damaged by subfreezing temperatures (15 degrees F), but even then it returns vigorously from the roots to quickly regain full size; if in doubt, give it a south wall location or frost protection, especially in hilly country north of San Antonio.
Can you eat olives from a wild olive tree?
Olea europaea africana is a very hardy, evergreen, drought resistant tree with gorgeous silvery foliage and a rounded crown. It bears scented, greenish flowers from October to December followed by delicious edible small black Olives (these can be eaten directly from the tree and need no treatment to make them edible).
Is Tea Olive an evergreen?
One of the most refreshing signs of fall – and spring – is the unique and memorable fragrance of tea olive in full bloom. This evergreen tree or shrub , depending on whether you prune it, is an old-fashioned Southern favorite known for its ease of maintenance and versatile uses in the landscape.
Is a Mexican olive tree evergreen?
In normally frost-free regions such as south Texas, it will remain evergreen and can get up to 20′ feet tall and almost as wide. But in areas that typically see at least a few periods of freezing temperatures, Mexican olive will be smaller and deciduous or evergreen, depending on the weather.
Why are olive trees banned in Arizona?
Mark Sneller, head of county pollen and mold monitoring, says olive trees don’t belong in the Sonora Desert because they contribute to allergies and respiratory problems . ...
Are olive trees banned?
Officials banned them in 1991 with an ordinance that stated, in essence, types that produce olives couldn’t be planted and types that do not produce olives could. Since then, the olive tree’s approval ratings are about equivalent to those of Congress, especially among people who are allergic to the pollen.
Are olive trees good for backyard?
Most aptly suited to areas which are prone to high heat and plenty of sunshine, the olive tree should be planted outside and once established is fairly low maintenance. Olive trees have lovely silver leaves, which will compliment many other plantings of the garden but are also grown for their fruit.
