Phillyrea latifolia

Family: Oleaceae

What it is like

Phillyrea latifolia is an evergreen Tree growing to 8 m (26ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 8

Where it is found

Evergreen thickets and rocky slopes, mainly on limestone.

S.E. Europe to W. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit - olive-like. It is possibly edible. The fruit is an ovoid drupe about 6mm in diameter with a single seed.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Diuretic, emmenagogue. Also used as a mouthwash.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.

Mouthwash: Treats problems such as mouth ulcers.

Other

Rating: 3

Bears pruning well and can be grown as a hedge, tolerating maritime exposure though it is fairly slow growing. Any trimming is best carried out in the spring. Wood - fine grained. Used in turner. An excellent charcoal is obtained from the stems.

Charcoal: Used for fuel, drawing, deodorant, filter, fertilizer etc.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Hedge: Hedge

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Thrives in any soil of moderate quality. Prefers a neutral to acid soil but tolerates some lime. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade. Tolerates maritime exposure. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. A slow growing plant. The flowers have a rich fruity perfume. This species is cultivated for its edible olive-like fruit in southern Europe. (This report is possibly a mistake.) Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Takes 15 months. High percentage. Layering in autumn. Takes 12 months.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. media.