Description: Evergreen trees or shrubs.
Leaves opposite, simple, margins entire, lower surface usually with a dense covering of scales.
Inflorescences axillary or rarely terminal panicles or clusters. Flowers usually bisexual. Calyx campanulate, 4-lobed, persistent in fruit. Corolla tubular, 4-lobed, white or whitish. Stamens 2, attached near top of corolla tube, exserted. Ovary 2-locular, ovoid; style short, stigma 2-lobed.
Fruit a drupe.
Distribution and occurrence: World: c. 40 species, Europe, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, North America. Australia: 2 species (1 species native, 1 species naturalized), Qld, Vic., S.A.
Text by D. W. Hardin
Taxon concept:
| | Key to the species | |
| 1 | Leaves ovate to elliptic, usually more than 2 cm wide; domatia present along midrib | Olea paniculata |
| Leaves lanceolate to elliptic, mostly less than 2 cm wide; domatia absent | Olea europaea |
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