Chionanthus retusus, commonly known as Fragrant Olive or Chinese Fringe Tree, is a species belonging to the olive family (Oleaceae) and the genus Chionanthus (where ‘chion’ means snow and ‘anthus’ means flower).
The Fragrant Olive is characterized by its broad canopy, large multi-stemmed shrub, and clusters of white flowers that bloom like snow in spring. In ideal conditions, this tree can reach heights of 9 to 12 meters.
Originating from Northeast Asian countries such as South Korea, China, and Japan, this species releases a gentle, pleasant fragrance whenever it blooms.
In Lianyungang city, Jiangsu Province, China, there is a famous Fragrant Olive tree over 800 years old. Historical records indicate that this tree was planted during the Song Dynasty, witnessing the Mongolian invasion of China and the establishment of the Yuan Dynasty.
Meanwhile, in the capital city of Fuzhou in Fujian Province, southeastern China, only three Fragrant Olive trees can currently be found. This is why this flower species is classified as a national protected species in the “land of a billion people.”
However, if visitors wish to witness the elegant beauty of the Fragrant Olive during the spring, they can visit the area along the railway in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, South Korea. Currently, the Fragrant Olive trees found in Europe or America were all cultivated from seeds originating in South Korea.
