Phylica is a genus of plants in the family Rhamnaceae. It contains about 150 species, the majority of which are restricted to South Africa, where they form part of the fynbos. A few species occur in other parts of southern Africa, and on islands including Madagascar, the Mascarene Islands, Île Amsterdam, Saint Helena, Tristan da Cunha, and Gough Island. The genus name Phylica is based on the greek word phyllikos, which means leafy, referring to the densely leafy stems of most of the plants in this genus.

Phylica oleaefolia is an attractive shrub reaching up to 3 meters tall. It has dark green leaves that are white below and the edges rolled under. During winter it bears small white flowers which are followed by three-lobed reddish-brown seed capsules.