Tea Olive Plant

Yesterday was a marvelous day,(as are all others!)  The main reason for the joy of yesterday, is that I received a love gift of a tea olive plant!  This was only the second time that I had even heard of such
a plant.About three months ago, I went to a plant nursery with two of my closest friends, and one of them purchased a tea olive plant.

I asked many questions regarding the plant; what is its origin, how large does it grow, and what is one of its most significant features?  My friend surprised me by just nonchalantly dropping the plant off  in
my yard yesterday, three months after I had first saw one.

This tree grows to about five feet tall, and three feet or so wide at maturity. (around three years.)  It is
a slow-growing tree, but the fragrance that permeates from this tree smells so beautiful.  Some have
compared it to the scent of a rose, others say it has a smell between a jasmine and a gardenia.   The scent is said to  travel at least 100 feet in any direction from the tree itself .  This tree originated in China.  The Chinese extracts an oil from the tea olive tree for various uses. The oil is mixed with cosmetics,soaps, etc.  Also, the oil is used as is on the hair for the shine and the lovely scent.

This Tea Olive Tree (Osmanthus Fragrans) greatly attract some of our most colorful summertime characters.  The hummingbirds, butterflies,   and other insects are instantly captivated  by this lovely tree.

Now, you understand why I am so excited about this tree! This is the loveliest of gifts.   Thanks,
friend!