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European and African Olives

European and African Olives
Invasive Plant
European and African Olives
Olea europaea ssp europaea and cuspidata
 

Hardy long-lived evergreen, small to medium trees. European olives produce green or black oval-shaped fruits for table and oil production. The fruits are considered a delicacy after they have been processed.

African olives produced smaller spherical black fruits and has been used as a hedging species in the past.

It must be stressed it is the fruit left on trees and not harvested that are spread by birds. The seedlings are extremely invasive and have become problematic in areas the state.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • Trees left to grow wild, or that are not harvested.
  • Fruit is attractive to and spread by birds and small mammals.
 

How you can help.

Don't plant olive trees unless you are going to harvest the fruit, if you have trees you no can longer manage, ask permission from your local council to have the trees removed.

 
 
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Alternative Plants

Bay Tree
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Bay Tree
Laurus nobilis
Trees and Shrubs
 

Evergreen tree 15-30m. Aromatic dark green leaves used as flavouring in cooking. Small yellowish flowers. Ideal tub plant and can 'be clipped to shape'. Drought tolerant, grow in full sun or part shade.

Bush Tuckeroo
Photo: Jackie Miles
Alternative Plant Bush Tuckeroo
Cupaniopsis anarcardioides
Trees and Shrubs
 

Small evergreen densely growing tree to 10 m high. Creamy-green, inconspicuous flowers May to September followed by clusters of small orange fruit. An attractive, dense tree, it will provide excellent shade and is suited for street trees. This tree is the host plant for eight native butterfly species.

Water Gum
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Water Gum
Tristaniopsis laurina
Trees and Shrubs
 

This Australian native tree has various new improved forms, one highly recommended form is 'Luscious', it grows 7 to 12m tall, the foliage is lush, dark green and shiny, with distinctive copper coloured new growth.

Water Gums are highly desirable evergreen landscape trees with sweetly scented yellow flowers in short clusters through January. 'Luscious' is a highly ornamental tree well suited for use in street tree plantings, parks, reserves, as a garden feature for that special spot, or as an elegant shade tree.

 
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