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Reference · Crops

Olive family

The Olive (Latin: Olea europaea) is a prominent evergreen subtropical tree belonging to the Oleaceae family. Renowned for its longevity and cultural significance, the olive tree is a cornerstone of Mediterranean agriculture, prized for its fruit which is used for oil extraction and table consumption.

Main sections

Lilac15 Osmanthus12 Privet9 Noronhia5 Nestegis4 Osmanthus3 Schrebera3 Notelaea2 Nyctanthes2 Olive2 Phillyrea2 Picconia2 Myxopyrum1 Parasyringa1
141 sections

What the section contains

Jasminum floridum Jasminum floridum Jasminum fluminense Jasminum fluminense Jasminum glaucum Jasminum glaucum Jasminum nobile Jasminum nobile Jasminum obtusifolium Jasminum obtusifolium Josiflexa lilac Syringa josiflexa Julian's lilac Syringa julianae Korean ash Fraxinus platypoda Laurel olive Olea laurifolia Laurel-leaf jasmine Jasminum laurifolium Ligustrum glomeratum Ligustrum glomeratum Ligustrum massalongianum Ligustrum massalongianum Lilac Syringa L. 15 items Long-cusped ash Fraxinus longicuspis Magnificent Jasmine Jasminum magnificum Maingay Jasmine Jasminum maingayi Myxopyrum Myxopyrum 1 item Nanceiana Lilac Syringa nanceiana Narrow-leaved jasmine Jasminum angustifolium Nepal jasmine Jasminum nepalense Nestegis Nestegis 4 items Nodding lilac Syringa reflexa Noronhia Noronhia 5 items Notelaea Notelaea 2 items Nyctanthes Nyctanthes 2 items Olea brachiata Olea brachiata Olea lancea Olea lancea Olea welwitschii Olea welwitschii Olive Olea 2 items Osmanthus Osmanthus Lour. 3 items Osmanthus Osmanthus 12 items Osmarea Osmarea Pallis ash Fraxinus pallisiae Papillose ash Fraxinus papillosa Parasyringa Parasyringa 1 item Pax Ash Fraxinus paxiana Pekin lilac Syringa pekinensis Persian lilac Syringa persica Phillyrea Phillyrea L. 2 items Phillyrea Phillyrea Picconia Picconia 2 items Pine lilac Syringa pinetorum Pink Jasmine Jasminum dispermum Polygamous olive Olea polygama Potanin lilac Syringa potaninii Preston Lilac Syringa prestoniae Primrose jasmine Jasminum mesnyi Privet Ligustrum L. 9 items Privet hybrid Ligustrum hybrids Pumpkin ash Fraxinus profunda Purpus privet Ligustrum purpusii Quihou privet Ligustrum quihoui Rhodope lilac Syringa rhodopea Robust privet Ligustrum robustum Rough olive Olea exasperata Round-leaf privet Ligustrum strongylophyllum Schrebera Schrebera 3 items Sharp-leaf privet Ligustrum acutissimum Shining Jasmine Jasminum nitidum Siebold's ash Fraxinus sieboldiana

Olive family

Originating from the Mediterranean Basin, the olive tree has been successfully introduced to other regions with Mediterranean-type climates, including parts of California, Australia, and South America. These regions provide the necessary conditions: long, warm summers for fruit ripening and mild winters that do not jeopardize the tree's health through freezing temperatures.

From a botanical perspective, the olive tree is characterized by its silvery-green lanceolate leaves and a gnarled, robust trunk. It is a slow-growing species that thrives in rocky, well-drained soils. Its deep root system allows it to withstand significant periods of drought, making it an ideal choice for arid and semi-arid landscapes where water resources are limited.

Effective agrotechnical practices are essential for a successful harvest. Olives require full sun exposure and protection from strong, cold winds. The soil should be well-aerated to prevent root rot. Regular pruning is a critical maintenance task, as it stimulates new growth, improves air circulation within the canopy, and facilitates easier harvesting of the fruit.

The commercial uses of the olive crop are diverse:

  • Extraction of high-quality virgin and extra-virgin olive oil.
  • Curing and processing of table olives for food consumption.
  • Utilizing olive wood for high-end furniture and kitchenware.
  • Developing leaf-based supplements for health and pharmaceutical markets.

Despite their hardiness, olive trees are susceptible to several pests and diseases, most notably the olive fruit fly, scale insects, and peacock spot (fungal disease). Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which include regular canopy thinning, monitoring for pest populations, and the use of organic or chemical control agents, are vital for maintaining tree health and ensuring optimal yields.