Origin
The Olea europaea, better known as the olive tree, has an ancient history dating back to 6000 BC. They are originally from the eastern Mediterranean region, the Middle East and North Africa. For thousands of years, various cultures and civilizations have cultivated the olive tree for its nutritional, cultural, and economic value. It is as well known from ancient Greek myths as it is from contemporary Mediterranean cuisine.

Characteristics
Olive trees are perennial, evergreen trees with a characteristic gnarled trunk and silvery, oval leaf. They are especially known for their fruits, the olives, which are green when they are unripe and turn black as they ripen. The trees can survive in poor soil and extremely dry conditions, making them ideal for the Mediterranean climate. Furthermore, they can live to a great age, with some even being more than 2000 years old.

Care
Although olive trees require little maintenance, they require specific conditions to grow optimally. They prefer sunny locations and well-drained soil. If grown indoors, they need to be placed in a cool location during the winter to mimic a resting period. Regular pruning, especially after winter, stimulates new growth and higher fruit production. Although olive trees are drought tolerant, they benefit from regular watering, especially during hot, dry summers.