Latin name: Osmanthus fragrans

Common name: fragrant olive

Abbr: Ofr

Taxonomy: Oleaceae/Oleeae/Osmanthus

References: NCBI:txid93977

Level: Chromosome

Chromosome number: 2n=2X=46

Genome size: 733.3Mb

Introduction: Osmanthus fragrans, commonly called fragrant olive, sweet olive or sweet tea, produces clusters of not particularly showy flowers that have an extremely powerful apricot fragrance. It is a small, upright, evergreen tree or large shrub that will typically grow to 10-15’ tall in cultivation, but may reach 20-30’ tall in its native habitat in Asia (Himalayas, China and Japan). Features oval, leathery, glossy green leaves (to 4” long). Leaf margins may be smooth or finely toothed. Tiny white flowers appear in axillary clusters in spring, with some sporadic bloom through the summer into fall. Varieties of the species bear flowers in orange, gold and reddish hues. The plant has very fragrant flower. In China, flowers are sometimes added to teas.

Uses: Small flowering tree, shrub, hedge, screen or espalier for lawns and areas around the home. Where not winter hardy, grow as a container plant for decks, patios or outdoor sitting areas or year round as a houseplant.

Type: Broadleaf evergreen

Native Range: Himalayas, Japan, China

Bloom Time: April

Flower: Showy, Fragrant

Leaf: Evergreen

Tolerate: Drought, Clay Soil

Literature: Whole-genome resequencing of Osmanthus fragrans provides insights into flower color evolution

Information sources: PlantFinder