Have opposite, leathery leaves, which may be entire or toothed, and produce terminal or axillary panicles of small, white or off white flowers; these are followed by edible, ovoid or spherical fruits. Thriving only in areas with a Mediterranean or similar climate, O. europaea, the only species cultivated, is of great economic importance for its fruit (Olives) and the oil extracted from them. Grown as a specimen tree or in a border.
