Olax stricta

Olax 

Family: Olacaceae

Olax stricta is a slender erect shrub, 1 - 1.5 m high, standing out because of its pale, yellowish leaves. It is not common, but grows on sandstone in wood, open forest or heathland, or on coastal dunes. It is parasitic on the roots of nearby plants.

The smooth, hairless leaves of Olax stricta are stalkless and fleshy, 5-10mm long, arranged alternately in opposite rows along the branches.

The tiny whitish-yellow flowers, 4-5mm long, occur singly in leaf axils. They have 5 or 6 petals. The fruit is a fleshy berry about 8mm long.

Olax stricta flowers for much of the year.