Wild Olive Indigenous Tree | Olea Europaea Subsp. Africana

Olea europaea subsp. africana, commonly known as the Wild Olive or Olienout, is one of South Africa’s most iconic, widespread, and versatile indigenous evergreen trees.

Celebrated for its beautiful gnarled trunk, neat rounded canopy, and rich grey-green foliage with golden-tinged leaf undersides, this slow-growing tree produces small, fragrant white flowers in summer followed by small, oil-rich oval fruits. Highly attractive to birds, insects, and garden wildlife, the Wild Olive is an essential feature for eco-friendly, water-wise landscapes and makes a magnificent shade tree, hedge, or bonsai specimen.

Growing Conditions & Care

Light
Thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for dense foliage and optimal growth.

Watering
Water moderately during the first few seasons to establish a deep root system. Once established, it is remarkably drought-tolerant and requires very little supplementary watering.

Soil
Highly adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including poor, rocky, sandy, or clay soils, provided drainage is well-maintained.

Temperature and Climate
Extremely hardy. Tolerates severe drought, heavy frost, high winds, and coastal spray comfortably across all South African regions.

Growth Habit and Mature Size
Medium-to-large evergreen tree with a dense, spreading canopy and textured bark. Reaches a mature height of 5m to 10m with a canopy spread of 4m to 8m.

Maintenance
Low maintenance. Responds exceptionally well to pruning and trimming if grown as an informal screen, formal topiary hedge, or container specimen. Feed occasionally with balanced organic compost in spring.

Best Uses

Shade and feature tree for small to large gardens

Windbreaks, privacy screening, and security hedging

Native wildlife, bird-friendly, and bio-diverse gardens

Container planting, patio features, and bonsai art.