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Olive

How to identify Olive (Olea europaea)

Olive, also known as Indian olive, Wild-olive

This species is characterized by its slow growth and evergreen nature, typically reaching heights of 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) and widths of 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.6 meters). It boasts a distinguished rounded crown and often displays a gnarled trunk as it matures. The leaves present a unique grayish-green coloration on top with a silvery underside, spanning 3 inches (about 7.5 cm) in length, and adopting an elliptical to lanceolate shape. Its small, aromatic white flowers emerge in the summer, grouped in 2-inch-long (5 cm) panicles. Olive produces oval drupes; initially green, they mature to a purplish-black color, each measuring around 1.5 inches (3.8 cm).

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Olive

1

Evergreen plant with slow growth, reaching 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) in height and displaying a distinct rounded crown.

2

Leaves are grayish-green on top, silvery underneath, elliptical to lanceolate, and 3 inches (7.5 cm) long.

3

Small, aromatic white flowers in 2-inch-long (5 cm) panicles, blooming in summer, aiding in identification.

4

Oval drupes initially green, maturing to purplish-black, about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in length.

5

Gnarled and twisted stems ranging from slender branches to 1-foot (30 cm) diameter trunks, with irregular branching pattern.

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Detailed Traits of Olive

Leaf Features

The leaves of olive are opposite, elliptic to lanceolate, measuring 3 to 9 cm (1.2 to 3.5 inches) in length and 0.3 to 3 cm (0.1 to 1.2 inches) in width. They exhibit a grayish-green color on the upper surface and a silvery underside due to dense tomentose hairs. The leathery texture of the narrowly elliptic leaves is enhanced by dense peltate scales, giving them a distinctive silvery appearance.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Olive Leaf Arrangement image
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Flower Features

The flowers of olive are small, tubular, and cream-colored, blooming in the summer. Each flower has 4 valvate lobes and two stamens, with a bottle-shaped ovary. They form in clusters on 2-inch-long (5 cm) panicles that emerge from the leaf axils. These flowers are notably fragrant, which adds to their distinctiveness and aids in identification.

Olive Flower imageOlive Flower image
Inflorescence Type

Panicle

Olive Inflorescence Type image
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Stem Features

The stem of olive is notably gray, often becoming contorted and gnarled as the plant ages. This characteristic gnarling and twisting, more pronounced over time, give the plant a distinctive appearance. Stems of olive range in thickness from slender young branches to robust mature trunks, often reaching up to 1 foot (30 cm) in diameter. The branches exhibit a complex, irregular branching pattern, providing a rugged and ancient look to the plant.

Olive Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of olive is an oval-shaped drupe, initially sporting a vibrant green hue that transitions to a purplish-black upon ripening. Each fruit measures about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in length, containing a single pit. The texture of the drupe is fleshy when mature, offering a distinct, edible flesh that encases the hard, stony endocarp within. As the fruit matures, its surface smoothness is noteworthy, further aiding in its identification.

Olive Fruit imageOlive Fruit image
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Key Facts About Olive

Attributes of Olive
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Plant Height
4 m to 15 m
Spread
8 m
Leaf Color
Green
Silver
Gray
Flower Size
2 cm to 4 cm
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Fruit Color
Green
Black
Purple
Stem Color
Green
Silver
Black
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Olive

Family
Olive
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Genus
Olea
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Species
Olive (Olea europaea)
Learn More About the Olive

Distribution Map of Olive

Olive has a broad geographical footprint, natively spanning multiple continents, including Mediterranean regions, parts of Africa, and areas within the Middle East and Asia. It has been introduced to other territories like certain parts of Asia, Africa, and South America, and even making its way to Oceania and North America. While olive is extensively cultivated, contributing to its widespread presence, it is sometimes thought to be invasive in certain areas, although it may have an impact on ecosystems rather than causing significant disruptions. Its cultivation is predominantly for its value rather than an unintentional spread into wild areas.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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