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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid
Propagation :
cuttings, grafting
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
resistant
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
low
Salinity/ppm :
very high (7000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-9°C
SHAPE
Type
:
tree
Height
:
6 m-9 m
Spread
:
6 m-8 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
white, yellow
Size
:
0.8 cm
Period
:
May - June
Smell
:
aroma, strong,
sweet
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
drupe(fleshy/
juicy)
Fruit size
:
3 cm - 4 cm
Olea europea is known in English as the Olive tree, and in Arabic zaytoun. Its distribution
extends from the Mediterranean to southeast Africa and southwest Asia. The tree can grow to
between 6 and 9 metres high with a spread of 6 to 8 metres. Often, the Olive tree features a very
picturesque growth with a dense crown. The leaves are entire and lanceolate, with the typical
olive green on the top and silvery-green underneath. The flowers are unimpressive, but the fruits
are famous and popular in all regions where olive trees grow. Maintenance is minimal; regular
pruning will densify the crown. Olives do not like stagnant water, but otherwise have no special
soil requirements. Frost-tolerant to –10°C, the trees are prone to attack by scale insects and crown
gall; verticillium wilt and black scale can also become problems. It is a shelter plant, and can be
used in open public spaces, park planting and urban areas. Olives can also be grown in small
managed roof gardens or containers. For landscape design, however, it should be recognised that
the Olive is a fruit tree, i.e. its use is inadvisable next to pedestrian areas. Olives make appealing
trees as specimens, grouped planting or linear planting. They will lend a natural Mediterranean
garden flair to steppe gardens. Propagation is by cuttings and grafting. To ensure optimal deve-
lopment of the tree, it is necessary to provide a minimum of air humidity. Olive tree plantations
have been successful in Arriyadh, and can now be seen quite often.
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Olea europaea,
Oleaceae
Olive,
zaytoun