Olea capensis subsp. macrocarpa is a subspecies of tree of the family Oleaceae. Like the related species Olea welwitschii, it grows in sandy desert regions of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. It is an inconspicuous plant that does not attain great height, in contrast to O. welwitschii which can attain a height of 25 metres.
| Olea capensis subsp. macrocarpa | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Oleaceae |
| Genus: | Olea |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: | O. c. subsp. macrocarpa
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| Trinomial name | |
| Olea capensis subsp. macrocarpa (C.H.Wright) I.Verd.
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| Synonyms[1] | |
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Uses edit
Both these species are sources of firewood, but the wood is also valued for its prominent veins, similar to that of the European olive though finer in texture.[2] As hardwoods they are considered suitable for flooring, furniture, carving, turning and veneers.[3] The leaves have been used in folk medicine as an antibacterial, a property which has found some support in the laboratory.[citation needed]
References edit
- ^ "Olea capensis subsp. macrocarpa". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
- ^ "*** Trade Name *** Olivewood (African)". Stars Art and Design. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
- ^ The Secret Life of Trees, Colin Tudge. Penguin Books. 2006. p. 243