The olive tree, Olea europaea, is an evergreen with a rich history. It is native to the Mediterranean region, specifically Greece, Italy, the Iberian Peninsula and Middle Eastern regions. It remains an intrinsic part of the Mediterranean landscape, with olive groves a familiar sight across much of Southern Europe. The small black edible fruits can be made into an oil to be used in cooking, cosmetics, and in medicine.
Compact in size, well maintained olive trees can create unique and unusual feature trees in any suitable outdoor area. If you are restricted by space or climate, consider planting in a large container, allowing you to protect and move the tree, if needed.
