




Common name(s): Olive tree,
Scientific name: Olea europaea
Family: Oleaceae – Olive family
Native range: Mediterranean region
Type: Evergreen
Non-native distribution: widely cultivated worldwide. Notably in California, Australia, Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East etc.
Average height: 15 - 45 feet (6-15m)
Forest or habitat: Original range unknown. No truly wild populations exist.
Wood density and quality: slow growing, moderately hard wood, beautiful grain
Leaf shape: Lanceolate, slighly cuneate (tip more rounded than base)
Leaf arrangement: Opposite and decussate
Leaf margin: Entire, slightly undulate
Leaf venation: Rachis (main vein) visible and pronounced but secondary pinnate veins difficult to distinguish.
Leaf stem: Short petiole
Leaf surface: Glabrous. Dark green topside, light green bottom side.
Inflorescence type: Raceme. Opposite and decussate (30-50 flowers per raceme approx.)
Flower: Small, creamy white,
Pollinating agents: Wind
Fruit type and color: Drupe, green then ripens to dark brown - purple-black
Edible?: Yes (fruit and associated oil)
Seed description: 0.5 - 1.0 cm in length, pointy on both ends, “football shape”
Seed dispersal mechanism: birds,
Bark: smooth and grey in young trees and new branches. rough and furrowed in older trees.
Traditional uses: food, oil, carving wood
Commercial uses: cosmetics, oils, soap, cabinet wood
invasiveness: limited
Iconic or symbolic value: Olive branch symbolises peace and / or victory. In the story of Noah´s arc the dove brought back an Olive branch signifying hope and restoration.
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ReplyDeleteThankyou, this information has helped me alot, because other websites dont have the same information, or information that I needed about Olive Trees.
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