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Phillyrea latifolia - Mock Privet, Green Olive Tree

Updated: Dec 15

Explore Phillyrea latifolia (Mock Privet) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.

Phillyrea latifolia - Mock Privet, Green Olive Tree

Phillyrea latifolia | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: Mock Privet, Green Olive Tree

Family: Oleaceae

Appearance: An evergreen shrub or small tree with dense, leathery, dark green leaves and small, white, fragrant flowers followed by black or purplish fruits.

Type: Perennial

Evergreen / Deciduous: Evergreen

Layer: Understory Layer

Root System: Features a deep and extensive root system, aiding drought tolerance.

Height: Typically 3–8 meters

Width: Approximately 2–5 meters

Lifespan: Over 100 years

Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Fertility: Not self-fertile

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Attracts bees and other insects

Toxicity: Non-toxic

Phillyrea latifolia | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

  • Native Range: Mediterranean region, including Southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Western Asia

  • Companionship: Often found alongside oaks, pines, and other Mediterranean flora

  • Invasive Range: Not widely reported as invasive

  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 6 - 9

  • Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified

Resistance/Tolerance

  • Poor Soil: High tolerance

  • Drought: High tolerance

  • Shade: Moderate tolerance

  • Flood: Low tolerance

  • Wind: High tolerance

  • Maritime: Moderate tolerance

  • Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance

  • Fire: Moderate tolerance

Thriving Conditions

  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

  • Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions

  • Soil Type: Well-drained sandy, rocky, or clay soils

  • Soil PH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 - 7.5)

Propagation

  • Seeds: Propagated by seeds, germination is slow and may require stratification

  • Cuttings: Can be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings

Phillyrea latifolia | Functional Uses and Benefits

Edible: Fruits are not typically consumed but may have minor culinary use in traditional contexts

Medicinal: Traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties

Cosmetics: Occasionally used in traditional remedies for skincare

Animal Feed: Foliage is sometimes grazed by livestock

Fiber: Not used for fiber

Timber: Provides dense, hard wood suitable for small-scale carving or firewood

Firewood: Excellent, burns slowly and efficiently

Wind Break: Effective as a windbreak in agroforestry systems

Fence: Can be planted as a living hedge or barrier

Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop

Mulch: Not typically used as mulch

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available

Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts bees and other pollinators

Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent

Wildlife Supporter: Provides habitat and food for birds and insects

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