Oliniaceae

Oliniaceae is a small family of flowering plants in the order Myrtales. It consists of a single genus, Olinia, which contains approximately five to eight species. These species are native to tropical and southern Africa. The plants are typically shrubs or small trees, often found in moist, shaded habitats such as forests and riverbanks.

The leaves of Olinia species are opposite, simple, and leathery, often with a glossy surface. They have a distinctive characteristic of being aromatic when crushed, with a scent sometimes described as spicy or peppery. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, typically white or pinkish, and borne in axillary or terminal inflorescences. They possess five petals and a prominent hypanthium. The fruit is a drupe, which is fleshy and contains a single seed.

The family Oliniaceae is recognized by its unique floral structure and leaf arrangement. While taxonomically distinct, it shares some similarities with other families within the Myrtales order, particularly in its woody habit and fruit type. The ecological role of Oliniaceae species is generally as understory plants in their native ecosystems. Some species have been noted for their use in traditional medicine or for their ornamental value, though they are not widely cultivated. The taxonomy of Oliniaceae has been subject to some revision, but its monogeneric status within the order remains consistent.