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Osmanthus_fragrans - Lour.

Common Name Fragrant Olive
Family Oleaceae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Mountains of S. Japan[58]. 1200 - 2100 metres in the Himalayas[146]. Forests, in association with Ilex dipyrena and Castanopsis spp, at elevations of 1300 - 3000 metres in Nepal[272].
Range E. Asia - China, Japan, Himalayas.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Osmanthus_fragrans Fragrant Olive


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Shizhao
Osmanthus_fragrans Fragrant Olive
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Shizhao

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Osmanthus_fragrans is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Olea fragrans.

Habitats

Edible Uses

The unripe fruits are preserved in brine like olives[183]. The very fragrant flowers are used by the Chinese to impart a pleasant aroma to tea, wine and sweet dishes such as lotus seed soup, pastries and steamed pears[2, 46, 61, 183]. They are also added to herbal medicines in order to disguise obnoxious flavours[178]. The flowers have a scent of apricots[146].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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The flowers are antitussive[218]. They are used in cosmetics for the hair and skin, but are mostly used to flavour other medicines[218]. A decoction of the stem bark is used in the treatment of boils, carbuncles etc[218]. A past made from the stem or bark is used in the treatment of boils, carbuncles, whoping cough and retinitis[272]. A decoction of the lateral roots is used in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea, rheumatism, bruises etc[218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

An essential oil is obtained from the flowers[178]. Used as a flavouring. The flowers are used as an insect repellent for clothes[146].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in any well-drained soil in sun or part shade[11, 200], but flowering more freely in a sunny position[11]. Thrives in chalky conditions[11]. Dislikes unduly exposed positions[11], and requires shelter from freezing winds[200]. Not very hardy outdoors in Britain[11], it succeeds on a wall in Cornwall[1] or in a woodland garden in the milder areas of the country[166]. The flowers are very fragrant[219]. They are sometimes available in oriental stores, preserved in sweetened brine or as a sugary paste called 'cassia blossom jam'[183].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a coldframe[200]. Stored seed probably germinates best if it is given 3 months warm then 3 months cold stratification before sowing[113]. The seed usually takes 6 - 18 months to germinate, it should be pricked out into individual pots when it is large enough to handle. Grow the plants on for their first winter in the greenhouse and plant them out in early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood taken at the end of July, in a frame with bottom heat[11]. Cuttings of almost ripe wood, 7 - 12cm with a heel, September/October in a cold frame. A good percentage. Plant out in the spring 18 months later[78]. Layering in spring[200] or autumn[78]. Partially sever the layer leads in the following late summer and plant out in the autumn. High percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Osmanthus fragransFragrant OliveShrub6.0 8-11  LMHSNM222

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

Lour.

Botanical References

1158200

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