Both the Cape milkwood or (melkhout) and the African wild olive (olienhout) are treasured trees within the coastal regions of the South Western Cape. The strictly protected milkwood trees grow to a great age and are found in dune forests and coastal woodlands. Three distinct ancient Cape milkwoods have been declared South African national monuments. Wild olives are often found growing in clumps together with the milkwood – sometimes even entwined as a single stump. Both trees are synonymous with the prime wine producing regions of the Western Cape.