Top 20 Most Common Trees in Greece

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Top 20 Most Common Trees in Greece

Greece's climatic conditions, with long sunny summers and mild winters, coupled with fertile soil, provide an ideal environment for the growth of native trees. Among the emblematic trees in Greece are the Oleander, Olive, and Carob tree. These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value in the region. Their presence not only contributes to the beauty of the Greek landscape but also supports local ecosystems and plays a role in traditional practices and folklore.

Most Common Trees

Oleander

Nerium oleander, colloquially known as oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.

Olive

Olive (Olea europaea) is an evergreen tree or shrub with great agricultural importance, especially in the Mediterranean. Its fruits are edible and widely used for making oil. Olive has acquired quite a few symbolic meanings during its long history of cultivation. The most popular symbol would probably be the olive branch, which represents peace and glory.

Mastic tree

Mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus) is an evergreen tree that will grow from 4 to 8 m tall and 4 to 8 m wide. Smells of strong resin it is grown commercially for its oil which is harvested between summer and fall. Produces small red mastic fruit that ripen and turn black in fall. Grows well in limestone and salty areas making it a good choice for coastal regions. Needs a wide area to grow makes a nice screen.

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Carob tree

Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) is a flowering evergreen shrub native to the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Carob tree is often used in ornamental horticulture in gardens and landscaping practices. This shrub has edible pods that are sometimes toasted, ground into powder, and used as a cooking substitute for chocolate. For commercial purposes, the pods are often cultivated in large orchards.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree, native to western and southern parts of Asia. It has a long history of cultivation and rich symbolism in polytheistic religions. Fruits of pomegranate play an important role in many West Asian cuisines. Aside from culinary uses, this fruit-bearing shrub is also cultivated for ornamental purposes.

Common fig

Ficus carica, colloquially known as the common fig, is a deciduous small tree or shrub widely known for its sweet, chewy fruits. This shrubby plant has a very, very long cultivation history. The earliest evidence of its cultivation was found in the Jordan Valley and go all the way back to the tenth millennium BC.

Rubber tree

Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a large tree with wide, oval, glossy leaves. Its milky white latex was used for making rubber before Pará rubber tree came into use, hence the name. Rubber tree is an ornamental species, often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.

Judas tree

Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum) is a small deciduous tree indigenous to Southern Europe and Western Asia. The judas tree is pollinated by bees. This species is protected in Israel. It grows best in deep, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade.

Norfolk island pine

9. Norfolk island pine

Norfolk island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is a conifer tree native to Norfolk Island, a small island in the Pacific Islands. Now, it is a popular houseplant all around the world. However, norfolk island pine is in danger of dying out in the wild.

Weeping fig

10. Weeping fig

Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is an evergreen tree native to Asia and Australia. It is one of the most popular houseplants in the world, known for its elegant, glossy leaves. However, people with allergies should avoid weeping fig, considering that it is a major source of indoor allergens. All parts of the plant are poisonous except the fruits.

Tree of heaven

11. Tree of heaven

While the tree of heaven has a lovely name, it has a bad reputation in many areas of the US. Several states consider it an invasive species because of its aggressive growth, rapid reproduction, and ability to thrive in poor conditions. The root system of this tree routinely damages sidewalks, sewer systems and other structures.

Peruvian peppertree

12. Peruvian peppertree

The peruvian peppertree (Schinus molle) is a tree species native to the Andes Mountains of South America. Peruvian peppertree has both culinary and herbal uses and in the past also saw use as a textile dye. While the peppercorns are edible, the plant itself is poisonous to livestock and children.

Indian Laurel

13. Indian Laurel

Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa) is a fig tree originating in China. The indian Laurel attracts the fig wasp pollinator. In some east Asian cultures, it is believed the indian Laurel is a meeting place for spirits.

Bay laurel

The leaf of the bay laurel is widely known around the world and is used to season dishes, especially Mediterranean dishes. The aromatic whole bay leaves can be added during food preparation for flavor and then are typically removed before serving. Dried ground bay leaf can be used as a seasoning within the dish and is often added to soups and stews.

Mulberry

A unique and easy-to-grow edible landscaping plant, the mulberry is prized for its tasty fruits as well as its exquisite ornamental appeal. Originally native to China, this plant was valued for its role in silk production: silkworms will only eat the leaves of mulberry trees, making them crucial for the product's creation. Ultimately, the trees were sold around the world and are used today in different countries that produce silk.

Strawberry tree

16. Strawberry tree

Arbutus unedo is an evergreen shrub or a small tree native to Europe. It is colloquially called strawberry tree because its bright red fruits somewhat resemble strawberries. The fruits of this lovely plant are very nutritious and full of sugar, which is why they are mostly used for making jams, pastries, fruit yogurts, and alcoholic beverages.

Southern magnolia

17. Southern magnolia

A showpiece of the southern United States is the southern magnolia. This tree is known by its dark green oval leaves that are leathery in feel and its beautiful waxy flowers. The southern magnolia blooms are thought to symbolize dignity and nobility. White versions of the flower are commonly used in bridal bouquets to denote purity.

Red frangipani

18. Red frangipani

Red frangipani (Plumeria rubra) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Central and South America. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical climates. All parts of the plant are toxic when ingested due to their high alkaloid content.

Lemon

Lemon is a cultivated small evergreen tree known for its yellow, juicy, sour fruits full of citric acid. Its origins are unknown, but it was probably first created in India, China, or Burma as a hybrid of sour orange (Citrus × aurantium) and citron (Citrus medica). It is commercial fruit cultivated in warm regions around the world.

Apricot

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) is a fruit-bearing plant species native to Asia. Although the genus name, "Prunus," means plum, the fruits of this tree are actually apricots. The seeds are occasionally used as substitutes for almonds because they share a similar shape and nutty taste. The apricot has been cultivated by humans for centuries, and was even discovered in the remains of ancient Armenian settlements.

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In Greece, you can find Oleander, Olive, Paperflower, Common lantana, Chinese hibiscus, and more! There are 50 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

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