Chinese White Olive

Canarium album

Physical Characteristics

Canarium album is a TREE growing to 15 m (49ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. Used like olives[177]. The fresh fruit is crisp, first tastes a little bitter, and then tastes fragrant, sour, and sweet; used in stir-fry dishes, preserved fruits, beverages and for making crack seeds.

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Sialagogue[147]. It is used to stimulate the appetite and eliminate apprehension[147]. Traditional Chinese Medicines use Olive fruit to remove heat from the lung, relieve sore throats, promote the production of body fluid and detoxicating, and is used for swollen and sore throats, excessive thirst, hematemesis, lacillary dysentery, epilepsy, puffer poisoning, and alcoholism.

Known Hazards

None known