About

Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata is a subspecies of the well-known olive tree (Olea europaea), which until recently was considered a separate species (Olea africana) and is still mentioned as such in many sources. Native to mostly dry areas across sub-Saharan Africa, West Asia, the Himalayan region and southern China, it has various common names, including wild olive, African olive, brown olive and Indian olive.

It is the ancestor of the cultivated olive and it has been introduced to Australia, New Zealand and the US. It is an aggressive invasive species that can infest dry woodland areas, riparian zones, headlands and dune systems.

Where it grows

It is extensively found through Africa (i.e. Egypt, Eastern Africa, Central Africa and Southern Africa), the Mascarenes (i.e. Mauritius and Réunion), western Asia (i.e. Arabian Peninsula, Afghanistan and Iran), the Indian sub-continent (i.e. northern India, Nepal and Pakistan) and western China. Subtropical dry and moist forests of Olea europaea cuspidata are found in the Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests ecoregion.

Uses

The wood is much-prized and durable, with a strong smell similar to bay rum, and is used for fine furniture and turnery. The wood is strong, hard, durable and heavy and resistant to termites and wood borers. The spindle wood is very light, while the heartwood is dark yellow to reddish brown.

Other Olea plants

Olea capensis subsp. macrocarpa · Black Ironwood · Olive · Olive tree · Olea lancea · Australian Olive · Elgon Teak · Forest Olive · Olive