Notelaea spp.
mock olive
Overview
Notelaea spp. is a genus of about a dozen evergreen shrubs and small trees in the olive family (Oleaceae), endemic to eastern and south-eastern Australia. Plants reach 2-10 m (6.6-33 ft) tall, with opposite, leathery leaves that range from narrow to broad across the genus, mid- to dark green above and net-veined. Small four-lobed flowers, cream to greenish-yellow and lightly fragrant, hang in short clusters from the leaf axils in spring and summer. They are followed by fleshy, olive-like drupes 8-15 mm (0.3-0.6 in) long that ripen blue-black to purple over a single hard stone, closely resembling the fruit of the true olive to which the genus is related. The fruit feeds many native birds, which spread the seed. Most species grow as understorey or margin plants in eucalypt forest, rainforest edges, and woodland on a range of soils. N. longifolia, large mock-olive, is among the more widespread species in eastern Australia. Plants are slow-growing and long-lived, tolerating shade, drought once established, and light frost.
Native Range
Notelaea spp. is endemic to Australia, concentrated in the eastern and south-eastern states from Queensland through New South Wales to Victoria, with a few species reaching South Australia and Tasmania. Plants grow in eucalypt forest, rainforest margins, and coastal and inland woodland, usually as understorey shrubs or small trees. They occur on a range of soils from sands to clays.Suggested Uses
Grown as an evergreen screen, hedge, or understorey shrub in native and habitat gardens, spaced 1.5-3 m (5-10 ft) apart. The fragrant flowers and olive-like fruit support native birds and insects, and the dense foliage gives shelter and screening.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6'7" - 33'
Width/Spread5' - 15'
Bloom Information
Small cream to greenish-yellow flowers open in short clusters mainly in spring and summer, roughly September to February in Australia. The lightly fragrant flowers are individually small but appear along the stems. Olive-like fruit follows and ripens blue-black over the following months.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Cream to greenish-yellowFoliage Description
Mid to dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-7 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight