Olea europaea 'Sylvestris' (230-270)

Origin
The Olea europaea 'Sylvestris', also known as the wild olive tree, is a Mediterranean species that originally occurs in the areas around the Mediterranean. It is a very ancient species whose cultivation goes back to prehistoric times. The vernacular name 'Sylvestris' stands for 'from the forest', a reference to its naturally growing character in its original habitat.

Characteristics
The Olea europaea 'Sylvestris' is a robust, hardy tree with narrow, silver-coloured leaves. The height can vary from a few metres to as much as 10 metres in open ground. The tree blooms late in the spring with small white flowers, followed by small black olives in the autumn. The bark of the trunk is greyish and becomes increasingly wrinkled and rough over time.

Care
The wild olive tree prefers a sunny, well-drained location. Unlike its cultivated brother, the Olea europaea 'Sylvestris' is reasonably drought resistant and can survive in poor soils. It is advisable to protect it against frost in the winter, especially with younger specimens, and to prune in the spring to maintain shape and size. Regular fertilisation during the growing season helps with the development of healthy leaves and blooming.