Olive family
Description
A family of shrubs and trees, almost cosmopolitan in distribution, but centred on Asia (Oleaceae 1).
The leaves are simple, opposite, entire or lobed, often with a greyish or silver shine as a result of scaly hairs. The flowers (Oleaceae 2) are borne in a raceme-like inflorescence, with usually 4 reduced sepals, 4 petals, and 2 stamens attached to the corolla tube. The ovary is superior. The fruit is variable, dry or fleshy, a berry, nut or drupe.
There are about 25 genera.
Use
The genus Olea is much cultivated in the Mediterranean region for its fruits, which are eaten pickled in brine and used for olive-oil production.
Described species
Olea europaea, olive