Contents
Description
Oleaceae, commonly known as the olive family, is a family of flowering plants. It comprises about 25 genera and 600 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs, trees, and vines. The family is mainly distributed in the tropical and temperate regions of the world, with some species growing in arid, subtropical, and boreal regions. Oleaceae is an economically important family that provides a variety of products such as fruits, oils, and woods.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Olea, Fraxinus, Ligustrum, Jasminum, Syringa, etc. |
Appearance
Oleaceae species vary in size and shape, from small shrubs to tall trees. They have simple, opposite, or rarely alternate leaves that are usually deciduous, but some species have evergreen leaves. The leaves are lanceolate, elliptic, ovate, or oblong, with entire or serrated margins. Oleaceae flowers are usually small and inconspicuous, arranged in terminal or axillary panicles, spikes, or racemes. They have four or five petals, sepals, and stamens, and a superior ovary. The fruit is a drupe, a samara, or a capsule, containing one or two seeds.
Care Guide
Oleaceae plants are generally easy to care for, but their requirements vary depending on the species. Here are some general care tips:- Water: Oleaceae plants need regular watering during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again.- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season, and stop fertilizing in the fall and winter.- Soil: Oleaceae plants prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Use a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and compost.- Sunlight: Most Oleaceae plants prefer full sun to partial shade, but some species like Ligustrum and Jasminum can tolerate shade.- Hardiness Zones: Oleaceae plants have varying hardiness zones depending on the species, so check the specific requirements for each plant.
Common Pests & Diseases
Oleaceae plants can be affected by various pests and diseases, including:- Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from leaves and stems. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Scale insects: Small, immobile insects that attach themselves to leaves and stems and suck sap. They can be removed manually or treated with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.- Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems. It can be treated with fungicides or neem oil.- Verticillium wilt: A fungal disease that causes wilting, yellowing, and death of leaves and branches. It can be prevented by planting resistant cultivars and avoiding contaminated soil.
Habitat
Oleaceae plants are found in a wide range of habitats, from forests and woodlands to grasslands and deserts. They are native to Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America, and Oceania. Some species are cultivated as ornamental plants, such as Syringa vulgaris (common lilac), Jasminum officinale (common jasmine), and Fraxinus excelsior (European ash). Others are cultivated for their fruits, such as Olea europaea (olive), Ligustrum lucidum (Chinese privet), and Forsythia suspensa (golden bell).
Question and Answer
Q: What is the economic importance of Oleaceae plants?A: Oleaceae plants provide a variety of products such as fruits, oils, and woods. For example, Olea europaea (olive) is cultivated for its edible fruits and oil, Fraxinus excelsior (European ash) is used for furniture and sports equipment, and Syringa vulgaris (common lilac) is grown as an ornamental plant.Q: What are some common pests of Oleaceae plants?A: Some common pests of Oleaceae plants include aphids, scale insects, and spider mites.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Olea europaea (olive)?A: Olea europaea (olive) is hardy in zones 8-11.Q: What is the habitat of Oleaceae plants?A: Oleaceae plants are found in a wide range of habitats, from forests and woodlands to grasslands and deserts. They are native to Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America, and Oceania.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Oleaceae family:- Olea europaea (olive)- Fraxinus excelsior (European ash)- Ligustrum lucidum (Chinese privet)- Syringa vulgaris (common lilac)- Forsythia suspensa (golden bell)- Jasminum officinale (common jasmine)
References
– “Oleaceae.” The Plant List. Accessed 16 July 2021. http://www.theplantlist.org/browse/A/Oleaceae/.- “Oleaceae: The Olive Family.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 16 July 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/Family/Index/25.- “Oleaceae.” Wikipedia. Accessed 16 July 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oleaceae.
