Olea Europaea

Description

Olea Europaea, commonly known as the olive tree, is a slow-growing, evergreen tree that can reach up to 50 feet in height. It has a gnarled and twisted trunk with a broad crown of dark green leaves. The tree produces small, white, fragrant flowers in the spring, followed by green fruit that matures to a dark purple-black color in the fall.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The olive tree has a distinctive appearance with a gnarled and twisted trunk, grayish-brown bark, and dark green leaves that are lance-shaped and leathery. The tree produces small, white, fragrant flowers in the spring, followed by green fruit that matures to a dark purple-black color in the fall. The fruit is oval-shaped and contains a small pit.

Care Guide

The olive tree is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and poor soil, but it does require proper care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for your olive tree:

• Water: Olive trees prefer well-draining soil and can tolerate drought, but they need regular watering during the growing season. Water deeply once a week, and let the soil dry out slightly before watering again.
• Fertilization: Olive trees do not require much fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer to promote growth.
• Soil: Olive trees prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. If your soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH.
• Sunlight: Olive trees require full sun to produce fruit, so make sure they are planted in a sunny location.
• Hardiness Zones: Olive trees are hardy in USDA zones 8-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

The olive tree is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to certain problems. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:

• Olive fruit fly: This pest can damage the fruit and cause premature dropping. Use pheromone traps or insecticides to control the fly.
• Olive knot: This bacterial disease causes knots on the branches and can lead to stunted growth and dieback. Prune infected branches and use a copper fungicide to control the disease.
• Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves. There is no cure for the disease, so infected trees should be removed and destroyed.

Habitat

The olive tree is native to the Mediterranean region but is now widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including California, Australia, and South Africa. It prefers a warm, dry climate and can tolerate poor soil conditions.

Question and Answer

Q: How long does it take for an olive tree to produce fruit?

A: Olive trees typically start producing fruit after 3-5 years, but it can take up to 10 years for the tree to reach full production.

Q: Can olive trees be grown in containers?

A: Yes, olive trees can be grown in containers, but they will require regular pruning to keep them from getting too large.

Q: How often should I prune my olive tree?

A: Olive trees should be pruned every 2-3 years to remove dead or diseased wood and to shape the tree.

Q: Can I grow an olive tree from a pit?

A: Yes, you can grow an olive tree from a pit, but it may take several years for the tree to produce fruit and the fruit may not be true to the parent plant.

Related Plants

• Osmanthus fragrans (sweet olive)
• Jasminum polyanthum (pink jasmine)
• Nerium oleander (oleander)

References

• “Olea europaea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280985&isprofile=0&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=
• “Olive Tree.” The Spruce. Accessed October 2021. <https://www.thespruce.com/growing-olive-trees-3269751
• “Olive Tree Care.” Gardening Know How. Accessed October 2021. <https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/olive/growing-olive-trees.htm