Brown olive, Wild olive, African olive, Indian olive
Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata

Family: Oleaceae

What it is like

A tree 10-15 m tall. It has a rounded crown and grey-green leaves. The trunk is crooked and it has characteristic pockets. The bark is rough and dark brown. The small branches are white and dotted with breathing pores. The leaves are narrow, oval and pointed. They are in opposite pairs. The underside of the leaves is pale white. The flowers are small and white in branched heads 5 cm across. The fruit is oval and fleshy and 1 cm long. It is purple when ripe. The seed is about 1 cm long.

There are over 40 Olea species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It occurs in dry forest in East and Southern Africa. It grows between 700 and 3,000 m altitude. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 100-1,200 mm. It can grow in alkaline soil. It can tolerate drought. It can grow in arid places. It suits plant hardiness zones 8-11. Melbourne Botanical gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Angola, Arabia, Australia, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Central Africa, China, Congo, East Africa, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Norfolk Island, Oman, Pacific, Pakistan, Reunion, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, SE Asia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, USA, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw. They also produce oil. They can be bitter. The leaves are used as flavouring in drinks.

Leaves are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit - oil, stems - tea, leaves - coffee, leaves - tea, flowers

How it is grown

Seeds are produced in low numbers and seeds are slow to germinate. Seedlings are difficult to raise. Seed should be sown fresh and if old seed is used it should be soaked in cold water for 24 hours. Seed can be stored for 2 months.

Plants are slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Ejersa, Kaho, Kahou, Kao, Kaow, Khuna, Mgiwe, Mhagati, Msenefu, Muranganji, Mziaghembe, Nakatimba, Ol orien, Shemaho, Shwawan, Woira, Yeger

Synonyms

Olea europea subsp. africana (Mill.) P. S. Green; Olea africana Mill.; Olea cuspidata Wall. ex G. Don; Olea chrysophylla Lam.; Olea chrysophylla Lamarck var. ferruginea (Royle) A. Chev.; Olea chrysophylla var. cuspidata (Wall. ex G. Don) Cif; Olea europea subsp. ferruginea (Royle) Cif.;