What Tree Family Does the Olive Tree Belong To?

Botanical Information

• The Oleaceae family is commonly referred to as the olive family, but it contains many different species of plants. It is a member of the subkingdom Tracheobionta, or vascular plants, and the superdivision Spermatophyta, which consists of plants that produce seeds. Oleaceae family members are flowering plants (division Magnoliophyta) and are classed as dicotyledons in the Magnoliopsida class, which means they have two seed leaves instead of one.

Characteristics

• Plants in the Oleaceae family have several shared characteristics that help to identify them as members. The flowers are usually bisexual and grow in panicles or clusters of small blooms that appear in the spring. The parts of each flower occur in pairs, with the anthers and stamen usually touching. The fruits of these plants may be a capsule, berry, drupe or samara. Most members of this family are either trees or shrubs with leaves that are rarely whorled or alternate, tending instead to be opposite, undivided or pinnate, and they may or may not be toothed.

Genera

• According to the University of Wisconsin, there are 29 genera in the Oleaceae family globally, that total about 600 species. Olive trees are members of the genus Olea. Other genera in this family include Fontanesia; Jasminum, which is commonly referred to as jasmine; Osmanthus, or devilwood; Chionanthus, or fringetree; Fraxinus, or ash; Ligustrum, or privet; Forestiera, or swampprivet; Forsythia; and Syringa, or lilac.

Uses

• Plants within the Oleaceae family have several uses both in home landscapes and commercial endeavors. Olive trees are grown for their fruit and to produce olive oil. Plants in the Fraxinus genus, commonly known as ash, are cultivated for their wood and as ornamentals. Fraxinus pennsylvanica, or green ash, is used as a windbreak tree, and many other species of Oleaceae family plants provide food and habitat for wildlife, as well as ornamental value. For example, Forsythia and Jasminum species add vibrant spring color and a pleasing fragrance to spring landscapes, while Fraxinus American, or white ash, adds color during the fall months.