Oleaceae

Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata

Common Names: African olive

Plant Form: Shrub to small tree. Size: 5-10 m tall, sometimes taller. Stem: Silvery-green, smooth and sometimes slightly ribbed when young. Leaves: Oval to oblong shape, glossy green on top, pale green or yellow-brown underneath. Opposite on stem, 6-10 cm long. Flowers: Small, cream or white with 4 petals, in clusters of many on branches. Fruit and Seeds: Round with a sharp tip at base, 15-30 mm diameter. Green with white spots when young, turning purplish-black as they ripen. Containing one brown oblong seed. Habitat: Gullies, urban bushland, roadsides, waste areas. Distinguishing Features: Very similar to European olive (Olea europaea subsp. europaea) but with smaller, less fleshy fruit.