Fauna
Plant

Sweet Olive

Osmanthus fragrans

Also known as Sweet Osmanthus, Tea Olive, Fragrant Olive

Renowned for an intoxicating aroma reminiscent of ripe apricots, this evergreen shrub blooms with clusters of tiny, four-petaled flowers across the canopy in autumn. Native across the moist mountain slopes of East Asia, it thrives in dappled sunlight and deep, fertile soils. Culturally revered for millennia, its sweet-scented blossoms are traditionally harvested to flavor seasonal teas, jams, and celebratory Mid-Autumn Festival wines.

EvergreenFragrantFlowering
Sweet Olive reference1 / 7
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—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Scale insects
  • Spider mites
  • Caterpillars
ThreatsHabitat clearing, urban air pollution, extreme winter freeze
HabitatsSubtropical mountain slopes, mixed evergreen forests, valley thickets
Life span50–100+ years
Classification
  1. OrderLamiales
  2. FamilyOleaceae
  3. GenusOsmanthus
  4. SpeciesOsmanthus fragrans
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Scent Detection: Sniff the foliage closely in early autumn mornings when flower clusters open.
  • Garden Care: Plant in rich, well-draining soil sheltered from harsh freezing winds.
  • Leaf Inspection: Check glossy leaf undersides for scale insects during warm weather.
Related species
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