12 responses

1. Hi Adrian

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   We’re not horse experts so you’d have to check with your local veterinarian specialist. However, there are no known cases of Olea europaea subsp. africana toxicity that we’re aware of. The fruit is much smaller than that of oak tree acorns (approximately 5mm in diameter) so I assume it gets digested easier.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

2. This wild olive tree looks ideal for a shade tree. I want it for a highveld farm near Secunda for shade for horses. Is it safe for horses or could the fruits cause colic if eaten by the horses? Oak tree acorns are said to cause colic in large amounts.

3. Hi Sipho

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   The lifespan of any plant will depend on it’s growing conditions.

   Some specimens of Olea europaea subsp africana around Gauteng have been estimated to be over 300 years old.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

4. Hello, what is the average lifespan of the tree?

5. Hi Heiko

   Thanks for visiting our site.

   Olea europaea subsp. africana flowers are very small and almost insignificant, making them easy to miss. Likewise, the fruit is just 1cm in diameter and is almost the same colour green as the foliage when unripe. They ripen to a deep purple but are attractive to birds and don’t remain on the tree for very long. A healthy tree can start flowering from its third season. All trees are able to bear flowers and fruit.

   Perhaps the lack of flowers and fruit on your tree is a nutrient deficiency? Perhaps try applying a general purpose organic fertiliser and a healthy dose of compost around the root zone of your tree. You should notice a change after a couple of seasons.

   Flourish!
   Glencie

6. Hi

   I have have just planted a Wild Olive this weekend, I however think I have got another huge one in my Garden. I have never seen the big one flower or bear fruit yet. Are there Males and Females in this Tree Species? At what age can I expect it to start flowering?

7. Hi Adri

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   Yes, Olea europaea can grow successfully in your area. The growth rate is moderate to fast, depending on the growing conditions.

   Other species you could consider are:
   Buddleja saligna (False olive)
   Pittosporum viridiflorum (Cheesewood)
   Apodytes dimidiata (White pear)
   Nuxia floribunda (Forest elder)
   Brachylaena discolor (Coastal silver-oak)
   Tarchonanthus littoralis (Coastal camphor)

   Flourish!
   Glenice

8. Hi, Can I plant the tree at the west coast near the beach?
   is it a fast or medium grower?

9. Hi Francois

   Thanks for the extra information.

   Glenice

10. Thank you! I did not mention but i had to take out a 11 year Karee tree for it was messing so much that it damaged my pool pump. Also birds didnt like it.
    So I am looking for a evergreen, not aggressive root system that i can plant near the pool. Also must not mess.
    Thanks again. Will research the trees you suggested.

11. Hi Francois

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    The wild olive is a large tree so not suitable to be planted too close to a pool.

    The growth rate varies depending on your planting conditions and geographic location. It tends to be slower in the Highveld but shows significant growth in climates with less harsh winters.

    Rather consider one of the following:
    Apodytes dimidiata (White pear)
    Croton gratissimus (Lavender fever berry)
    Dais cotinifolia (Pompon tree)
    Heteropyxis natalensis (Lavender tree)
    Ilex mitis (Cape holly)
    Vepris lanceolata (White ironwood)

    Flourish!
    Glenice

12. Hi
    Can I plant the tree near a pool? (2m)
    How fast does it grow?