Olax stricta R.Br.

Taxonomic Classification

Olax stricta is a member of the Olacaceae plant family.

Size and Native Range

It grows to a height of two metres and is native to eastern Australia.

Habitat Soil Type

It typically grows on infertile sites in dry eucalyptus woodland, growing on either sandstone or granite.

Additional Habitats

It can occasionally also be found growing on dunes and in shrubland.

Population Distribution

It is not a common species, but has a wide distribution across its range.

Foliage and Parasitism Suggestion

The plant’s pale yellow-green foliage has led to suggestions that it may be a root parasite.

Fruit Characteristics

Its fruit is fleshy, olive in colour, and measures around 8 mm long by 5 mm wide.

Etymology of Specific Epithet

Its specific epithet stricta comes from Latin, and refers to the plant’s erect, compact growth form that grows in bundles.

Initial European Collection

The species was first collected by people of European descent in Sydney during the early colonial period.

Formal Publication Details

It was first formally published in scientific literature in 1810, in Robert Brown’s work Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae; Brown was a prolific Scottish botanist.