Anyone that happens upon this thread later and wants to see followups can check the link below, where the same question is asked and answered in the Garden Clinic Forum. Unfortunately, I doubt many people saw it in this gallery forum. Here is a link that might be useful: Same Post in the Garden Clinic Forum

That is a very unhappy Osmanthus fragrans, commonly called Tea Olive or Sweet Olive or Fragrant Olive. I'm afraid there's no way telling what the problem may be from the picture. I can only suspect that it has been ignored for many months at the nursery and is suffering the consequences. This plant should be full, solidly evergreen in warmish climates. Container grown specimens should enjoy a fast draining potting medium and thorough watering when allowed to dry out somewhat. In very hot climates, they suffer and require protection from the hottest afternoon sun.

Ok I took some more pictures, with close up of the leaves to give y'all a better idea. It actually is more than a few leaves so I want to make sure I'm not ignoring a problem. I'll also follow your advice, rhizo, and trim the branches that touch the ground, clipping them all the way to the trunk. One factor re: Dave's point is that a week or two ago I did move the tree (from where it had been for about two weeks) about two feet in order to get away from one of its close tree neighbors. So that could have been a shock, I'm guessing. Onto the pics: The ones front and center aren't curled up, but maybe those spots are a clue about what's going on?? Any clues? Thank you so much!!!

http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/1912618/osmanthus-fragrans-leaf-tip-turned-brown Too much water or too little water causes it. Likes well drained, acidic soil.