Olive
| Botanical Name | Olea europaea subsp. africana |
|---|---|
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Origin | Europe |
Identification
Bushy tree or shrub. Leaves scaly, usually opposite and lanceolate or narrow-elliptic (rounded at both ends, widest in middle) to 110 mm. Appearing pale or slightly silvery beneath, dark green above. Flowers small and 4-12 lobed. Stone fruit, round, 5-8 mm diameter, glossy, green, becoming red and then black.Habitats
Open coastal shrub and modified areas near native forest margins. Inshore and offshore islands. Raoul Island.Impact to Biota and Ecosystems
Extremely aggressive weed on Norfolk Island and showing similar tendencies on Raoul. Occasional around Auckland City and inner Hauraki Gulf islands. Displaces coastal shrubs and trees.Dispersal Routes, Vectors, Infestation Sources
Bird dispersed seeds. Often grown as hedges and sold in nurseries.Management
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Management |
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| Physical Control |
Hand pull seedlings, break stems and hang nearby to desiccate. Fell larger trees and treat the stump with herbicide. |
| Disposal |
Remove all seeds from felled trees and burn. Felled trees should desiccate and decompose in situ providing the cut end is elevated off the ground. |
| Chemical Control | |
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Biological Control |
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| Recommended Approach |
Hand pull seedlings and fell larger trees. |