Order Oleales is a taxonomic rank used in the classification of flowering plants that belong to the class Magnoliopsida. It is a diverse and widespread order comprising various families, including Oleaceae (the olive family), which is the largest and most well-known family within this order.
Plants classified under Order Oleales share certain common characteristics, although there is considerable variation among the families. They are typically woody plants, including trees, shrubs, and occasionally, climbers. The leaves are usually simple and arranged opposite each other, sometimes with entire margins, and occasionally serrated or lobed. The flowers are generally bisexual, radially symmetrical, and often fragrant. They usually have four or five sepals and petals, and the stamens are usually attached to the petals. The ovary is usually superior.
This order encompasses a wide range of species found in diverse habitats worldwide, from temperate regions to tropical rainforests. They are ecologically important, serving various ecological roles, and many species are economically valuable. For example, members of the Oleaceae family include the olive tree (Olea europaea), from which olive oil is derived, as well as the popular ornamental plants like lilacs (Syringa) and jasmine (Jasminum).
Overall, Order Oleales represents a taxonomic grouping of plants that possess shared characteristics and belong to several families, including the economically significant olive family.
