Necessary information on Olive Tree

Olive Tree, Olea Europaea

Necessary information on Olive Tree

Common Name: Olive Tree
Scientific Name: Olea Europaea
Height: 5 m
Growth Rate: slow
Sun Tolerance: Full sun

Olive tree has long represented wealth, abundance, power and peace. The olive has been a symbol of the Mediterranean since time immemorial, and has a reputation for long life, nourishment and its ability to thrive in tough conditions. Its primary product, olive oil, is revered throughout the world for its distinctive flavor. Homer called it 'liquid gold'. In ancient Greece, athletes rubbed olive oil over their bodies, and victorious competitors received no trophies or medals; instead the symbol of supreme honor was the olive wreath placed on their heads. There are claims of 1,600 year old trees still producing fruit. The beauty of Olive trees are the age old elfish looking trunks when it gets old. A few of these ancient trees would make your garden look etherea.

History Of Olive Trees:

Olive trees, 'Olea europaea,' are the oldest fruit trees and certainly are one of the most important fruit trees in history. Olive tree culture has been closely connected to the rise and fall of Mediterranean empires and other advanced civilizations throughout the ages. Because olive trees offered wealth and future food supplies to established civilizations, the agricultural nations became stable societies, resulting from a secure expectation from past experience of an uninterrupted food and olive oil supply. This factor was a necessary requirement for population growth and increase. Dependable fruit production and olive oil production means that olive trees must exist in a stable society and a peaceful environment. That stability must extend for many years, since most ancient seedling olive trees required eight or more years before ever producing the first crop of fruit.

Old Olive Tree Trunk

Old Olive Tree

Olive Tree Fruit

Century old twisted olive tree trunk 

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