Olea europaea (160-180)

Origin
The Olea europaea, better known as the olive tree, has its roots in the ancient history of the Mediterranean region. The plant was domesticated in the Bronze Age, over 5000 years ago. Olive trees are a symbol of peace, wisdom, and hope, prevalent in both mythology and religious texts.

Characteristics
The Olea europaea is an evergreen shrub or tree that generally reaches 10 to 20 metres in height. Its leaves are 4-10 cm long and silvery green. The white flowers bloom in early summer and bear small oval fruits, the olives, in the autumn. These fruits are green when they are young and turn black as they ripen.

Care
The Olea europaea is known to be a resilient plant that can withstand drought and heat, however, it is sensitive to heavy frost. The plant requires a sunny, sheltered spot and well-draining soil to thrive. The care of the Olea europaea includes annual pruning to stimulate the production of olives. For optimal growth and fruit production, the plant needs fertilisation with a slow release.