About Cordia boissieri A.DC.
Cordia boissieri A.DC. grows to a height of 5–7 m (16–23 ft), and develops a symmetrical round crown 3–5 m (9.8–16.4 ft) in diameter. Its ovate leaves are 9–18 cm (3.5–7.1 in) long and 5–9 cm (2.0–3.5 in) wide. This species is evergreen, but it will drop its leaves if it sustains frost damage. The white, funnel-shaped flowers measure 3–5 cm (1.2–2.0 in) across, and appear on the tree year-round. The fruits are yellow-green drupes that resemble olives, and are 1.2–2.4 cm (0.47–0.94 in) in length. Fresh fruits are sweet but slightly toxic, and cause dizziness in humans and other animals. The tree has a lifespan of 30–50 years. In ecological interactions, Cordia boissieri acts as a host plant for the wild olive tortoise beetle, Physonota alutacea. For human uses, jellies made from this tree's fruits are reportedly safe to eat. A syrup made from the fruits is used both to dye cloth and to treat coughs. The leaves are used to alleviate rheumatism and pulmonary illness. The wood is used as firewood and for carpentry. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant under the common name Anacahuita, valued for its compact size and showy flowers. It is hardy to USDA Zone 9a.
