Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Olea europaea L., Sp. Pl. 8 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
olive
 Description

Dense bushy shrub or small tree to c. 7 m high; bark becoming rough. Shoots angular, lepidote when young. Lvs shortly petiolate. Lamina 5–11 × 0.8–2 cm (juvenile lvs smaller), lanceolate or narrow-elliptic, sparsely to densely lepidote beneath and appearing pale green or slightly silvery, dark green and lepidote or elepidote above; base attenuate; apex mucronate. Panicles axillary. Calyx 1–1.5 mm long; lobes broad-triangular, glabrous or somewhat lepidote. Corolla lobes 3–4 mm long, whitish, ± oblong, almost fleshy, patent at first, ultimately reflexed. Stamens slightly < corolla. Drupe 5–8 mm diam., globose to broad-ovoid, glossy, becoming red and ultimately black.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
Number of subspecific taxa in New Zealand within Olea europaea L.
CategoryNumber
Exotic: Fully Naturalised2
Total2
 Phenology

Flowering: Jul.–Mar.

 Bibliography
Biosecurity New Zealand 2012: Regional Pest Management Strategies Database. http://www.biosecurityperformance.maf.govt.nz/
Edwards, R. 2008: Lincoln University campus – a guide to some of the trees currently growing there. Lincoln University, Lincoln.
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42.
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.