H03: False Olive, Phillyrea latifolia

This is a  member of the Olive family, Oleaceae,  It comes from the Mediterranean   and Asia Minor where, as in Spain, it rarely grows into a large tree. In this country it forms a fine, long lived, architectural tree. It was first recorded in 1597. It has small, opposite, glossy leaves, very dark on the upper surface with slightly crenate margins. The clusters of small creamy-green scented flowers opening in June are followed by small round green fruit. It is often used for decorative topiary.