OLEACEAE—THE OLIVE FAMILY
The Olive family comprises about 20 genera with 500 species distributed principally in the northern hemisphere. In North America there are 5 genera with 20 species and in West Virginia 2 genera with 4 species. The Olive Tree (Olea Europaea, L.), which produces the olives used for food, belongs to this family. This tree has been introduced into the southwestern part of the United States. The Syringas, (Lilacs), Forsythias, and Ligustrums (Privets) are extensively planted in this State for ornamental purposes and for hedges. The two genera described below have representatives in West Virginia.
Fraxinus, (pp. [219], [221], [223]).—The Ashes, numbering about 40 species, are distributed chiefly in the north temperate zone. Of this number 16 occur in North America and 3 in West Virginia. The European Ash, (F. excelsior, L.) is occasionally planted.
Chionanthus, (page [225]).—This genus embraces only 2 species one of which is found in West Virginia. The other is native to northern and central China.
CAPRIFOLIACEAE—THE HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY
The Honeysuckle family, comprising about 10 genera with 275 species, is represented in North America by 8 genera and in West Virginia by 7 genera and about 18 species. Of this number 15 are shrubs or small trees. The species not described herein belonging to the genera Viburnum (pp. [227], [229]), Diervilla, Lonicera, and Sambucus, are given in the list of native shrubs.
