Phillyrea latifolia aka Broad Leaved Phillyrea

Phillyrea latifolia is an evergreen shrub or small tree. Its common names include mock privet and green olive. It belongs to the olive family, Oleaceae. Its native range spans the Mediterranean and southwest Asia. This includes southern Europe, Turkey, and parts of North Africa. It grows in evergreen thickets and on rocky slopes. Many of these sites lie on limestone.

The plant forms a rounded crown with dense, bushy growth. In gardens, height and spread reach 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Oregon State gives a larger size of 30 feet [9 metres]. Growth is slow, with maturity reached in about 10–20 years. The dark green leaves stay on the plant year-round. They grow in opposite pairs and have a simple, oval shape. Each leaf can reach 0.2 feet [0.06 metres] long. Small teeth line the leaf edges.

Small, scented flowers appear in clusters during spring. Sources describe their colour as yellow-green or greenish-white. Their scent draws more notice than their looks. Dark fruits follow the flowers, turning black or blue-black. Each small drupe holds one seed and resembles an olive. Plants For A Future lists the fruit as possibly edible. That wording leaves its food value uncertain. The same source reports no known hazards. This does not establish safety for people or pets.

Give this plant fertile soil that drains well. Sandy and loamy soils suit it, with acid to neutral pH. Sources favour moist soil rather than ground that stays wet. The RHS favours full sun but also accepts partial shade. Oregon State gives partial shade as the best position. Shelter from cold, drying winds helps meet its growing needs. Its leaves tolerate salt, making coastal planting an option. The RHS rates it H5 for UK hardiness. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 6–9. Oregon State gives zone 7 as its lower limit.

This shrub suits hedges, courtyard gardens, and woodland edges. It also fits informal beds and Mediterranean-style planting. It takes pruning well and can form cloud-pruned shapes. Sources differ on hedge trimming: spring versus summer. Its fine-grained wood has uses in turning. The stems also provide charcoal. Reported medicinal uses include mouthwash and promoting urine flow or menstruation. Those records do not establish safe or effective treatment. Phillyrea whitefly may attack the plant. Honey fungus may also pose a risk where present. The RHS notes that its level of susceptibility remains unclear.