Native to the United States and Mexico, the Mexican olive, or Anacahuita, grows extensively in Mexico, but rarely in the United States, where it is called the Texas olive tree. In the United States, the Texas version is on the brink of extinction, but sometimes you can find it near well-drained soil from stream beds or slopes. The Mexican olive tree originated in the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon, where it is the state flower, and San Luis Potosi, Coahuila and Tamaulipas. However, in the United States, the Texas olive tree is native to Texas’ Hidalgo, Jim Hogg and Willacy counties.
Key Takeaways:
- The New Mexico olive tree is a large deciduous shrub that grows well in hot, dry areas. It works well in hedges or as an ornamental specimen
- The New Mexico olive (Forestiera neomexicana) is also known as desert olive tree because it thrives in hot, sunny regions
- Later in summer, the plant produces attractive blue-black fruit. The fruit are shaped like eggs but only the size of berries
“Growing New Mexico olive trees is not difficult in the right location, and the species has a reputation for being easy maintenance.”