Mexican olive (Cordia boissieri)

Also known as: Anacahuita, White cordia

The Cordia boissieri, commonly known as a flowering shrub, can grow to a height of 5 to 7 meters. It features a symmetrical, rounded crown that spans 3 to 5 meters in diameter. The fruit of this plant is sweet but mildly toxic when fresh, potentially causing dizziness if consumed. However, once processed, it is safe to use in jellies and syrups, with the latter also employed in fabric dyeing.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Mexican olive

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

5 m to 7 m

Spread

4.5 m to 9 m

Leaf Color

Green Gray

Flower Size

3 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

White

Images of Mexican olive

Quickly Identify Mexican olive

Voluptuous, rounded silhouette up to 15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 meters) in height and width.

Ovate leaves, up to 5 inches (12.7 cm) long, gray-green above, paler underneath.

White, funnel-shaped blooms with yellow centers and crepe-like texture, 2 inches (5 cm) wide.

Gray bark, distinctive hue, and olive-like yellow-green fruit.

Scientific Classification of Mexican olive

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Lamiales

Family

Ehretiaceae

Genus

Manjacks

Species

Mexican olive

Planting and Growing of Mexican olive

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

68-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Mexican olive?

When it comes to watering Cordia boissieri, make sure to provide around 500 milliliters each session. The goal is to moisten the soil adequately without causing waterlogging. Ensure the soil surface is dry before your next round of watering, allowing the roots to breathe and preventing roots' wet feet.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Mexican olive? ›

What should I do if my Mexican olive is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Mexican olive? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Mexican olive?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours per day

Cordia boissieri thrives best in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of sunlight. This exposure supports its growth and maximizes its flowering potential with vibrant blooms.

How much sunlight does Cordia boissieri ideally need? ›

What solutions are there for best lighting? ›

What are the benefits of optimal lighting for this plant? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Mexican olive?

Ideal Temperature: 68 ~ 77℉

The ideal temperature range for growing Cordia boissieri is between 68°F and 77°F. This range provides the optimal conditions for photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and overall growth. Within this range, the plant can effectively manage water regulation and resist possible diseases, making it crucial for maintaining ideal plant health.

What Soil is Best for Mexican olive?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Cordia boissieri thrives in well-draining soils to prevent root rot. Proper drainage ensures the roots stay healthy by avoiding waterlogging, which can lead to fungal issues. It mimics the plant's natural arid and semi-arid environment. This plant appreciates soil that has moderate fertility. While it can survive in less fertile soils, a bit of organic material can promote optimal growth without over-fertilizing, encouraging lush foliage and abundant flowering. Cordia boissieri benefits from calcareous soil due to its lime-loving nature. Calcium enhances cell structure and strength, supporting robust growth and flowering, which is vital for ornamental purposes.

How to Fertilize Mexican olive?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Cordia boissieri, use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Apply about 500-750 ml per plant to avoid over-concentration of nutrients, which can harm the roots. Solid fertilizers should be used in moderation, following the recommended dosage on the label.

How to Prune Mexican olive?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Start by inspecting the Cordia boissieri for any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and remove them first. Use clean, sharp pruning shears for clean cuts. Focus on maintaining its natural shape by trimming overgrown limbs, and cut just above a leaf node to encourage bushier growth. Ensure that the center of the plant receives sufficient sunlight by thinning out dense areas. Always step back periodically to assess balance and symmetry. To maintain an aesthetically pleasing shape, prune branches that disrupt the symmetry of the plant. Focus on creating an open canopy to enhance sunlight penetration and air circulation. For a more formal appearance, trim evenly around the plant; for a natural look, follow the plant's natural growth pattern. Regularly remove suckers from the base and any water sprouts that appear along branches. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Mexican olive plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Late spring

Before sowing, Cordia boissieri seeds may be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat and enhance germination. This process helps in breaking dormancy and speeds up the sprouting.

Select a healthy parent plant, and cut a 4-6 inch stem just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, dip the end in rooting hormone, and plant in a prepared potting mix.

Place the cuttings in a warm place with indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.

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How to Repot Mexican olive plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Monitor the plant for signs such as roots growing out of the drainage holes, the plant appearing top-heavy, or soil drying out quickly. These conditions indicate it's time to give your Cordia boissieri a more spacious home to grow.

Opt for a pot that is 2-3 inches wider in diameter than the current one, allowing ample space for root expansion. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, promoting healthier growth for Cordia boissieri.

Select a well-draining sandy loam soil that mimics its natural habitat. This soil type retains sufficient moisture while enabling excess water to escape, providing optimal growth conditions for your plant.

Toxicity of Mexican olive

Is Mexican olive toxic to cat?

Mexican olive presents a mild toxic risk to cats. Should a cat ingest the fruit of the Mexican olive in significant quantities, it may undergo physical discomfort or exhibit symptoms of illness. Although the precise toxic compounds are not identified, it is vital for cat owners to keep a close watch on their pets and restrict their access to the Mexican olive fruits. If accidental consumption occurs and the cat displays any signs of distress, seeking prompt veterinary assistance is necessary to tackle any possible health issues.

Is Mexican olive toxic to dog?

Mexican olive presents a slight toxicity risk to dogs. Although the plant is not considered highly toxic, consuming its fruits in substantial quantities can result in poisoning. Dogs that eat large amounts of these fruits may show symptoms like gastrointestinal upset or other mild indications of distress. It is important for dog owners to keep a watchful eye on their pets and to prevent them from consuming excessive amounts of Mexican olive's fruits. Should a dog ingest a significant quantity and exhibit any negative reactions, it is vital to obtain prompt veterinary attention to safeguard the pet's health.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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