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Pineleaf Olive

Shrub type: Coniferous (Stores water in its stem)

This modest-sized shrub grows up to 2 feet (61.0 cm) tall and lives for decades, with the oldest known specimen being around 124 years old. It is very resistant to destructive insect infestation but susceptible to disease.

It has dozens of narrow, straight stems covered in smooth, pine-coloured bark, and the wood inside is pine-coloured.

The branches trail down across the ground with dozens of twigs that and are covered with sparse amounts of tiny, broad, flat, leaves with wavy edges. The leaves themselves are either yellow or turquoise, with blue edges, frail and waxy.

In mid-spring it produces many bunches of small, dark grey blossoms with 4 oblong shaped petals. They are sturdy and have a delicate scent that smells like burning wood.

In mid-autumn stiff, pointed fruits ripen. The smooth olive skin is tough and edible when cooked; it is bitter, and the slightly crunchy black flesh is sweet and juicy. The olive seeds are large and are scattered throughout the fruit.

It spreads easily and often blanket large areas.
It is very resistant to fire damage.
It is suitable for creating fine, soft textiles