What is an olive tree?

Olive tree is a tree in the olive family, Oleaceae. Many people think that olea europaea or "real olive" when they hear the words "olive tree", but in fact the family contains an estimated 900 species that grow around the world, with the exception of Arctic climate. These trees are known for being very durable and durable and usually have lance -shaped leaves in dust to dark green colors. In Crete, the cultivation of olives dates back to approximately 3,500 BCE and several other Mediterranean cultures grow for almost so long. The fruit of the olive tree can be processed and eaten simple as table olives or fruit can be crushed to obtain olive oil, cooking and dressing that plays a key role in Mediterranean cuisine.

Several functions distinguish the olive tree. These trees are a capable prosperous in a very harsh environment and can live for hundreds and even thousands of years. The older the olive tree becomes, the more maintained and twisted it will appear. Damage to olives onD by storms, flexes and other problems will not damage the root system, which means that the plant can regenerate as soon as the roots recover.

The fruit of the olive tree, technically classified as Drupe, can be harvested when it is immature and green, or left to fully ripen on a dark black stage. Depending on the cultivar, fruit may be suitable for eating, oil or both. In the case of eating olives, the fruit must be treated to extract part of the bitterness or cannot be eaten. Oil olives are crushed in oils for oil extraction.

In the Mediterranean and in climate with similar conditions, thousands of olive cultivars are grown. Greece, Italy, France, in the Middle East produce various oils and eating cultivars. For the most part, there are only a few hundred in extended cultivation, with more closest cultivars considered to be inheritance trees.

olive tree bYL long considered a symbol of peace and recovery. For this reason, this is commonly seen in landscapes around embassies and other facilities that are interested in international relations. Olives are also used for general landscaping due to their hardness, durability and simple beauty. However, when used in landscaping, it is advisable to prevent the development of fruit to avoid attracting insects.