Ligustrum vulgare L.
The name of the genus (Ligustrum) seems to derive from an ancient Latin name, already used by Gaius Pliny the Second, roman writer, admiral and naturalist, and by Virgil, to indicate the plants commonly called privet or olivella. The term Ligustrum has a certain assonance with the term ligustrínum, which means Ligurian (of Liguria). Other scholars suggest that it derives from the Latin ligo, which means "lego" for the use that was made of the branches that are flexible.
Fun fact: it is a plant with a remarkable ability to propagate vegetatively, through stolons; because it is not very demanding, privet is considered a colonizing plant, even in arid and calcareous soils. It is widely used in Italian gardens, it also tolerates intense pruning very well and it is therefore particularly suitable for topiary art. The young sprigs of the privet have a very fragrant wood, and are used to make baskets. A yellow dye is extracted from the bark.
Bibliography:
https://www.montagneaperte.it/ambienteebiodiversita/ligustro-olivella-sanguinello/
http://www.actaplantarum.org/flora/flora_info.php?id=4591
PIGNATTI. S., Flora d’Italia, Edagricole, Bologna 1982
RANFA A., Piante amiche e nemiche dell’uomo. ali&no Ed., Perugia 2004
Ligustrum vulgare L.
Use: in the past, privet has had a certain importance in the manufacture of inks and to intensify the color tone of wine. The privet branches were often used to make ties in vineyards, in vegetable gardens, but also to make baskets, baskets and any other use where flexible material was needed.
Properties: the leaves, flowers and berries contain tannins and ligustrine, a toxic glucoside. Privet is used in pharmacology and cosmetology. It has stringent properties, and can be used against inflammation of the pharynx.
Attention: pharmaceutical indications are for information purposes only, therefore we decline any responsibility for their use for curative, aesthetic or food purposes. All parts of the plant must be used with the authorization and suggestions of the doctor.
Bibliography:
http://www.actaplantarum.org/flora/flora_info.php?id=4591
PIGNATTI. S., Flora d’Italia, Edagricole, Bologna 1982
RANFA A., Piante amiche e nemiche dell’uomo. ali&no Ed., Perugia 2004