Olea europaea

The olive tree is deeply woven into Mediterranean culture, featuring in classical art, literature, and religious traditions. It is a symbol of peace, wisdom, and prosperity, appearing in ancient Greek and Roman myths, biblical stories, and modern iconography. Olive branches have crowned victors and peacemakers, and olive oil has played roles in rituals, medicine, and cuisine for millennia, making the tree an enduring emblem of civilization and heritage.

• Some olive trees are estimated to be over 1,000 years old, living witnesses to history.
• Olive oil is classified by extraction method and acidity, with “extra virgin” being the highest grade.
• Wild olives (Olea europaea subsp. sylvestris) still grow throughout the Mediterranean, contributing genetic diversity to cultivated varieties.
• Olive wood is prized for its hardness and beautiful grain, often used in fine carving and furniture.

Olive trees are cornerstone species in Mediterranean ecosystems. Their evergreen canopy provides shade and shelter for wildlife, while their flowers attract pollinators. Fallen leaves and fruit enrich the soil, supporting microbial life. Wild olives contribute to genetic diversity and serve as habitat for birds and insects. The tree’s drought tolerance helps stabilize soils and maintain landscape resilience in arid regions.

• Wild olive (Olea europaea subsp. sylvestris): The ancestral, uncultivated form found throughout the Mediterranean.
• Cultivated olive (Olea europaea subsp. europaea): The main domesticated species grown for fruit and oil.
• Arbequina: A popular Spanish cultivar known for small fruit and high oil yield.
• Kalamata: Renowned Greek variety with large, dark purple olives prized for table use.
• Manzanilla: Widely grown in Spain, famous for its mild flavor and versatility.
• Picual: Major Spanish cultivar, valued for robust oil production.
• Frantoio: Classic Italian variety, celebrated for its aromatic oil.

Olive trees are native to the Mediterranean Basin, flourishing in regions with calcareous soils and a climate marked by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Today, they are cultivated across southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and in suitable climates worldwide—including California, South Australia, and South Africa. Wild olives persist in rocky, sunlit hillsides, while cultivated groves shape rural landscapes and economies.

Olive trees require well-drained, calcareous soils and full sun. They are drought-tolerant but benefit from deep, infrequent watering during dry spells. Pruning encourages healthy growth and fruit production, while regular monitoring helps control pests like olive fruit fly and diseases such as Verticillium wilt. Propagation is commonly by cuttings or grafting, and selecting disease-resistant cultivars improves success. Mature trees need minimal fertilization and thrive with thoughtful, low-input care.

Major threats to olive trees include pests (notably the olive fruit fly), fungal diseases (such as Verticillium wilt and olive knot), and climate change impacts like drought and shifting weather patterns. Conservation efforts focus on preserving ancient groves, maintaining genetic diversity among wild and cultivated populations, and developing resistant cultivars. Sustainable management and integrated pest control are key to protecting this iconic species for future generations.

Olives are harvested for direct consumption and oil extraction, with olive oil serving as a staple in Mediterranean diets and a major global commodity. Table olives are processed by curing to remove bitterness, while the oil is classified by extraction method and quality. Olive wood is valued for its durability and aesthetic appeal in carving and furniture. Leaves are used in traditional remedies and as animal fodder, and olive oil finds additional uses in cosmetics, soaps, and religious rituals.

The olive tree has symbolized peace, wisdom, and prosperity since antiquity. In Greek mythology, Athena gifted the olive to Athens, and olive branches have crowned Olympic victors. In religious texts, the olive is a sign of hope and renewal—most famously in the biblical story of the dove returning to Noah with an olive leaf. Across cultures, the tree is revered for its endurance, generosity, and the richness it brings to daily life.

• Look for a medium-sized tree with a broad, gnarled trunk and dense, rounded canopy.
• Leaves are lance-shaped, dark green on top, and silvery underneath—often shimmering in sunlight.
• Small, white flowers appear in spring, followed by oval fruits that ripen from green to black.
• The bark is rough and twisted, often with deep fissures in older specimens.
• Olive trees are commonly found in sun-drenched, rocky soils of Mediterranean regions and cultivated groves worldwide.