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Description
Olea Exasperata, commonly known as the Moroccan olive tree, is a species of flowering plant in the olive family. It is native to Morocco and Algeria, where it grows in arid regions with rocky soil. The tree can grow up to 5 meters tall and has a twisted trunk with smooth, grayish-brown bark. Its leaves are narrow and elongated, with a dark green color on top and a pale green color on the underside. The tree produces small, white flowers in the spring, which later develop into small, edible olives in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Olea |
Appearance
The Olea Exasperata tree has a unique and attractive appearance, with twisted branches and narrow leaves. Its leaves are about 5-10 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm wide, with a dark green color on top and a pale green color on the underside. The tree produces small, white flowers in the spring, which later develop into small, edible olives in the fall. The olives are about 1 cm in diameter and have a slightly bitter taste. The tree’s bark is smooth and grayish-brown, and it has a twisted trunk that adds to its overall aesthetic appeal.
Care Guide
Olea Exasperata is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions. Here are some tips to help you care for your Moroccan olive tree:- Water: The tree requires moderate watering, but be sure not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: The tree does not require much fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring.- Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH.- Sunlight: The tree requires full sun exposure to thrive.- Hardiness Zones: The tree can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
While Olea Exasperata is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, it can still be susceptible to certain issues. Here are some common pests and diseases that might affect your Moroccan olive tree:- Olive fruit fly: This pest can cause damage to the olives, making them inedible.- Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves.- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots and premature defoliation.
Habitat
Olea Exasperata is native to arid regions of Morocco and Algeria, where it grows in rocky soil. The tree can tolerate drought and high temperatures, making it an ideal plant for hot and dry climates. It is also commonly grown in gardens and parks for its unique appearance and edible olives.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Olea Exasperata grow in a container?
A: While the tree can technically grow in a container, it may not reach its full potential and may require more frequent watering and fertilization.Q: Are the olives from Olea Exasperata edible?
A: Yes, the olives are edible but have a slightly bitter taste.Q: How often should I water my Moroccan olive tree?
A: The tree requires moderate watering, but be sure not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Olea Exasperata?
A: The tree can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you might be interested in:- Olea Europaea (Common Olive)- Olea Europaea subsp. Africana (African Olive)- Olea Capensis (Cape Olive)- Olea Laxiflora (Wild Olive)
References
– “Olea exasperata.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.- “Olea exasperata.” Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.- “Olea exasperata.” The Plant List, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden.- “Moroccan Olive Tree (Olea exasperata).” Gardenia.net.
