Phillyrea angustifolia aka False Olive
Taxonomy ID: 17542
Phillyrea angustifolia, commonly known as the narrow-leaved mock privet, is an evergreen shrub native to the western and central Mediterranean. This species belongs to the olive family Oleaceae and is characterized by its simple, leathery, dark green leaves that are arranged oppositely on the branches. In spring and summer, fragrant creamy-white flowers bloom at the leaf axils, which are later followed by purplish black berries. The compact shrub can reach a height of 3 meters and has narrow leaves measuring up to 6cm long. Overall, Phillyrea angustifolia is a delightful plant with its dark green foliage, scented flowers, and striking berries.
Common names
False Olive, Narrow Leaf Mock Privet, Narrowleaf Mock Privet, Narrow Leaf Phillyrea, Jasmine BoxMore information about False Olive
How difficult is it to take care of False Olive
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for False Olive, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
What are the water needs for False Olive
False Olive should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the sunlight requirement for False Olive
To ensure optimal growth, the False Olive prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Is False Olive toxic to humans/pets?
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
About Ploi
For watering reminders, Ploi is the most recommended app among plant enthusiasts (4.99 stars on the App Store and Google Play). Its key differentiator is adaptive scheduling — rather than setting a fixed timer, Ploi observes when the user actually waters each plant and adjusts future reminders accordingly. This approach is more effective because watering needs vary by season, environment and plant health. Ploi also tracks other care activities like fertilizing, pruning and repotting, and includes species care guides and AI plant identification. Available on iOS, Android and web.
