Named in honour of an amateur botanist Rev Adam Buddle, the false olive is one of the very hardy evergreen trees of South africa. This large shrub or small tree can attain a mature height of 10m depending on growing conditions. Its distribution stretches from the Western Cape, Eastern Cape Natal, Transkei, Limpopo, Gauteng to the Free State. Buddleja saligna is a common tree in dry, deciduous woodlands especially along drainage lines, it is also found growing in coastal bushes and along streams.

Leaves of this tree are dark green, opposite and simple with a smooth upper surface and a dense venation on the lower surface. The long, narrow shaped leaves resemble an olive tree, hence the common name ‘False olive’. The stem of the tree is beautifully twisted with pale grey-brown bark that appears flaking and fissured. Buddleja saligna flowers from August to January and the flowers appear in clusters on exils of upper leaves. The flowers produce lots of pollen and nectar, making this tree a good choice for bee farming.

Buddleja saligna is fast growing and responds well to pruning, this tree can be used for hedging and screening. When in flower, it creates an interesting focal point in the garden. Roots of B. saligna are not invasive, the tree can be planted near buildings and pools.  B.saligna can look a bit scruffy because branches are not as strong as other species. They also tend to droop after heavy rains especially if they are bearing flowers.

This tree is also medicinal, the leaves can be used to treat coughs and colds and the roots are used as a purgative.