OLEA EUROPAEA

FAMILY :: OLEACEAE
OLIVE: For over 3000 years, this plant has been valued for its fruit and the oil from it. Olive trees are native to the Mediterranean region and have been considered a symbol for peace. The leaves are antiseptic and astringent. The wood was carved into statues of the gods. The oil is nourishing, demulcent and laxative. It takes one ton of olives to make 35 gallons of oil.

Grows best in deep, rich, well-drained soil in full sun and is slightly more hardy than citrus.