Osmanthus heterophyllus

Osmanthus heterophyllus, commonly referred to as holly olive or false olive, is an ornamental plant originating from the Far East. Its shiny leaves and delicious perfume make it another favourite here at our four-star campsite Les Jardins de La Pascalinette ®.

Osmanthus heterophyllus is characterized by its very variable leaves both in size and shape: some are pointed and jagged, while others are oval and smooth – a diversity that adds visual interest to every garden and creates year-round interest.

Although it is often appreciated for its attractive foliage, Osmanthus heterophyllus also produces small, fragrant white flowers in autumn. These delicate blooms exude a sweet, heady scent similar to that of jasmine mixed with fruit, which perfumes the air and attracts bees and butterflies: a genuine delight for the teams here at our eco-friendly nature campsite, committed to protecting the environment. Osmanthus heterophyllus is also a hardy shrub, able to withstand temperatures of up to -15°C. It is part of the large and diverse Oleaceae family, which includes plants such as olives, lilacs and jasmines.

Osmanthus flowers are sometimes added to tea to lend it an aromatic flavour, or incorporated in biscuits. In the perfume industry, they are used to create high-end perfumes and cosmetic products. The plant’s roots are used in Chinese medicine to treat various inflammatory conditions and chronic coughs.