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Privet Facts

Privet Facts
Privet is a flowering plant that belongs to the olive family. There are around 50 species of privet that originate from Europe, north-western parts of Africa and western parts of Asia. Privet can be found all over the world today. It grows in grassy woodlands, bushlands, and forests, along the roadsides and in the riparian areas. Privet grows on well-drained soil, in areas that provide full or partial sun. In most parts of the world, privet is classified as invasive species because it quickly spreads and easily eliminates native species of plants.
Interesting Privet Facts:
Privet grows in the form of tall shrub or small tree. It can reach 10 to 39 feet in height and from 4 to 8 feet in width, depending on the variety. Dwarf varieties of privet are only 2 to 5 feet tall.
Privet develops multi-branched stem that usually start to branch from the base. Twigs are slender and covered with smooth bark.
Depending on the species, privet develops deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen leaves. Leaves are dark green colored, narrow oval or lanceolate in shape. They are arranged in the opposite pairs (in the shape of letter X) on the branches.
Varieties of privet that produce yellow or variegated leaves are cultivated in ornamental purposes.
Privet produces creamy white flowers arranged in multi-branched terminal inflorescences called panicles. Even though they are beautiful, flowers of privet have unpleasant smell. Privet produces perfect flowers (with both types of reproductive organs), but they require insects such as bees for the successful pollination.
Privet blooms late in the spring, usually from April to June. It belongs to the group of allergy-causing plants because it triggers asthmatic attacks or eczema in sensitive persons.
Fruit of privet is glossy, black berry. Fruit are produced in the clusters at the end of the branches. One plant produces hundreds of berries per year. Ornamental varieties of privet produce yellow, green or greenish-white berries.
Each berry contains one to four seed. Seed in some species are round and wrinkled on one side and plain on the other.
Privet berries are toxic for humans, but they are edible for birds, which are responsible for dispersal of seed.
Privet can be propagated via seed, root cuttings and sprouts.
Leaves and branches of privet contain substances that may induce poisoning of cattle.
Privet is hardy plant. Unlike most plant species, it is resistant to pests, diseases, pollution of the air and drought.
Privet is mostly cultivated in ornamental purposes and for hedging due to ability to form impenetrable hedge.
According to some evidence, people started to cultivate hedges to protect their cereal crops during the Neolithic age.
Privet is perennial plant, which means that it can survive more than 2 years in the wild.


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