Trees Around The World Tour - EUROPEAN OLIVE

Olea europaea       |      Oleaceae     |      European olive

Noteworthy Characteristics:

Olive trees are native to the Mediterranean basin – Northern Africa, Western Asia and Southeastern Europe. This is an evergreen tree growing to 32 ft. by 26 ft. It is relatively short, wide, hardy, and slow-growing. The leaves are silvery grey and replaced every two years.Some olive trees in the Old World are centuries (or even millennia) old. Olive tree culture has been documented from the year 4800 BCE in Cyprus. Archaeologists have found evidence of olive oil productions as far back as 6,000 years ago in Israel. Athenian myth says the first olive was given to Athena by the god Poseidon and the first tree grew in Acropolis. Throughout history, olives have been symbolic of peace, wisdom, glory, fertility, abundance, power and purity. They are well adapted to Tucson climate and although, they are allergenic, there are non-allergenic varieties available.

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Additional Resources to Explore:

• Link to the Campus Arboretum Species Description page
• Link to the Campus Arboretum Trees Around The World Tour page (for booklet, self-guided campus tours, or docent led tour information)