Notelaea longifolia (Large-leaved Mock-olive)

Notelaea longifolia, commonly known as Large-leaved Mock-olive, is a versatile and hardy Australian native shrub or small tree valued for its dense evergreen foliage and excellent screening ability. Naturally occurring in rainforest margins and sheltered forest environments, it blends effortlessly into understory plantings and naturalistic gardens.

This species features long, narrow to elliptic leaves with a smooth, glossy green surface, creating a lush and tidy appearance year-round. Its dense growth habit makes it ideal for hedging, privacy screens, and windbreaks, as well as providing habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Small, inconspicuous flowers are followed by decorative dark purple to black fruits, which are attractive to birds. While not edible like true olives, these fruits enhance biodiversity in the garden. Notelaea longifolia is highly adaptable, tolerating a range of conditions including shade, drought once established, and occasional pruning—making it a reliable “set-and-forget” choice for low-maintenance landscapes.