Oleaceae Essential Oil

Oleaceae plants are typically either trees or upright or climbing shrubs.

Morphological Features:

Leaves are usually opposite, occasionally alternate or whorled. They can be simple, trifoliate, or pinnately compound, rarely palmately divided. Leaf margins are either entire or toothed. Leaves have petioles and lack stipules.

The flowers are radially symmetrical, bisexual (sometimes unisexual or monoecious). They can occur on the same plant (monoecious), different plants (dioecious), or both (polygamous). Inflorescences are often arranged in cone-like clusters (corymbs), panicles, umbels, or heads. They can be terminal or axillary, or clustered in leaf axils. Calyx usually has 4 lobes (sometimes up to 12), or it may be absent. Corolla also has 4 lobes (sometimes up to 12). Stamens are usually 2 (rarely 4).

Fruit Types: The fruit can be a winged fruit, capsule, drupe, berry, or drupe-like nut.

Seeds have a single straight embryo and may or may not have endosperm.

Habitat and Growth Conditions:

Oleaceae species thrive in regions with moderate water and heat conditions. Average annual temperature 15-19°C. Annual rainfall 900-1800 mm. They prefer sunlight but tolerate partial shade. These plants thrive in warm, humid climates and exhibit some cold tolerance. They can withstand both flooding and drought. Soil requirements are not strict; they can grow in alkaline, neutral, or acidic soils and are salt-tolerant. Oleaceae species often grow in the first-order floodplains of river valleys, including riverbanks and downstream areas.

Distribution:

The Oleaceae family comprises approximately 29 genera with around 600 species. They are widespread in temperate and tropical regions, with Asia having particularly rich diversity.