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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Phillyrea latifolia is an evergreen Tree growing to 8 m (26ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

P. media.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - olive-like[2]. It is possibly edible[105]. The fruit is an ovoid drupe about 6mm in diameter with a single seed[200].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Diuretic Emmenagogue Mouthwash

Diuretic, emmenagogue. Also used as a mouthwash[46, 61].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Charcoal Hedge Hedge Wood

Bears pruning well and can be grown as a hedge, tolerating maritime exposure though it is fairly slow growing[11, 49, 75]. Any trimming is best carried out in the spring[188]. Wood - fine grained. Used in turner[46, 61]. An excellent charcoal is obtained from the stems[100].

Special Uses

Hedge Hedge Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Thrives in any soil of moderate quality[11]. Prefers a neutral to acid soil but tolerates some lime[200]. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade[200]. Tolerates maritime exposure[75, K]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[184]. A slow growing plant[182]. The flowers have a rich fruity perfume[245]. This species is cultivated for its edible olive-like fruit in southern Europe[2]. (This report is possibly a mistake[K].) Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[200]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Takes 15 months. High percentage[78]. Layering in autumn. Takes 12 months[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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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 itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

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.

Phillyrea latifolia - L.