Olea europaea subsp. Africana

Wild Olive (e), Olienhout (a), umNqumo (z), Motlheware (Tsw)

S.A. No 617

Type	Size	Characteristics	Flowers	Position
Tree	5 - 10 m	Very hardy, evergreen, drought resistant	Greenish	Sun or semi-shade

Very hardy, evergreen, drought resistant tree with silvery leaves and scented, greenish flowers from Oct. to Dec. followed by edible black fruits. It has rough dark bark. Good bird and insect tree that also makes a beautiful bonsai subject. This neat decorative garden tree can cope with very adverse growing conditions and the addition of two handfuls of lime in the soil when planting will promote faster growth. Older specimens develop a very wide crown therefore it needs space. Plant in sun or semi-shade. The timber is beautiful and much sought after. It has many magical and medicinal uses.