The African Wild Olive essence may be useful in times of need, despair or exhaustion – when fortitude, strength and protection are required. African Wild Olive’s energy offers faith and perseverance for the darkest hour before the dawn. The image is of a rainbow of the clearest hues arching across an endless sea and sky of blue. African Wild Olive essence encourages vocal self-expression and it holds a strength that may be experienced as deeply comforting and reassuring.

This essence enlightens the throat chakra.

Affirmation: Through silence and meditation, I connect with the Source: the well spring of my Soul. I am One with Life.

Corresponding Colour: Blue

Supportive Essence: The Rock Alder may act as a supportive essence to the African Wild Olive essence, particularly if the African Wild Olive essence is being used to address a long-standing imbalance and an “awareness crisis” has arisen. An awareness crisis is an intensification of negative feelings or old patterns of being. It is the soul’s way of calling our attention to these old blockages that need to be acknowledged, blessed and released.

The African Wild Olive
Olea europaea sbsp Africana
Family: OLEACEAE

Learning about how this tree grows in nature, brings further appreciation for its essence:

A medium-sized, evergreen tree, the Wild Olive is found not only throughout Africa, but also in Arabia, India and China. It is found in diverse habitats from woodlands to rocky hilltops. The foliage is an olive-green above and silvery below – when rustled by the wind this tree is particularly pretty. The sweetly scented flowers are creamy-white and appear from Spring through to Summer. These are followed by the small fruit which are a deep purply-black when ripe. Indeed, it is mainly the smallness of the flower and fruit that separates this tree from the cultivated olive of commerce. It is however hardier of habit and for this reason used as a root stock for its commercial cousin.

The fruits of the Wild Olive are enjoyed by a host of birds, baboons, bushpigs, warthogs and vervet monkeys. Its foliage makes it a very valuable fodder tree in arid areas. The dark juice of the fruit has been used to make ink and the beautiful wood is greatly valued for carving, cabinet work and furniture. Described as “steel like”, the wood is very hard, durable and termite-and borer-resistant – popular then as fence poles that are said to last for hundreds of years.

Wind-fallen branches are gathered at Platbos and hand-crafted into unique and beautiful pendulums.

Since the Wild Olive commonly grows on calciferous soils, they act as indicators for this subsoil type. The leaves can be used as a substitute for tea. Medicinally this is a very valuable tree. It is used to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, combat viral, fungal and bacterial infections and improve circulation and brain function. The leaves are used – either dried or made into a tincture. At Platbos there are one or two ancient Wild Olives that we estimate to be close to one thousand years of age. Wild Olives are protected in South Africa.

Harvesting of any parts of a tree or plant must always be done in a kind, respectful and sustainable manner, and necessary permits obtained from the relevant authorities. Those purchasing natural plant remedies also have the responsibility to ensure that these products have been sustainably harvested as otherwise they too are contributing to the likely extinction of the plant and other animals in the ecosystem that rely upon it for their survival.