Elaeodendron orientale

Elaeodendron orientale
Young Elaeodendron orientale tree on Réunion island
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Embryophytes
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Spermatophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Celastrales
Family: Celastraceae
Genus: Elaeodendron
Species:
E. orientale
Binomial name
Elaeodendron orientale
Synonyms[1]
  • Aralia chabrieri Van Geert
  • Cassine orientalis (Jacq.) Kuntze
  • Elaeodendron indicum Gaertn.
  • Elaeodendron pyramidale Salisb.
  • Rubentia angustifolia Colla
  • Rubentia longifolia Desf.
  • Rubentia mauritiana Desf.
  • Rubentia olivina J.F.Gmel.
  • Rubentia orientalis (Jacq.) Dum.Cours.

Elaeodendron orientale, known locally as bois d'olive, is a tall canopy tree endemic to the Mascarene Islands of Mauritius, Réunion, and Rodrigues.[1]

Juveniles have shiny narrow leaves with a bright red mid-rib and smooth edges; while adult leaves are wide and oval with a serrated margin.

In its native islands the tree has been severely over-exploited for its valuable reddish wood. Adults reach up to 20 meters in height. The fruits resemble small olives, from which the local name derives.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b "Elaeodendron orientale Jacq". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
  2. ^ "Cassine orientalis". arbres-reunion.cirad.fr. Archived from the original on 2008-10-19.