The olive tree belongs to the Olive family. In the Mediterranean, in the south of Crimea, in the southern regions of Russia and in other areas with a mild climate, this plant is grown in open ground. In more severe conditions, you can grow it in a winter garden or in a spacious, bright room, including an apartment. Trees of table varieties, with proper care, will bear fruit regularly.
The olive tree is a long-living tree. It has been growing for more than 500 years. In the Garden of Gethsemane (Jerusalem) there are olive trees whose age, according to scientists, reaches 2000 years. Greece is considered the birthplace of the olive. According to ancient legend, the goddess Athena sent an olive branch to this fertile land, from which the first tree grew.
Olives are a real treasure for the human body. They contain more than 100 useful substances. It seems that nature itself took care of the health, freshness and beauty of man, giving him these priceless fruits.
Olives are the simplest and most effective prevention of diseases of the heart, blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract and malignant breast tumors. To achieve the desired effect, it is enough to eat only eight olives a day or season salads with olive oil.
Olive is the personification of deep internal cultural connections. At least that's what Thomas Friedman thinks. He expressed his thoughts on globalization and cultural identity in his acclaimed 1999 book Lexus and the Olive Tree.
Decorative olive tree
Usually, domestic olive is grown not for its fruits, but because of its decorative, very attractive appearance. Today there are many varieties of this wonderful crop that have their own characteristics. For growing at home, varieties that reach no more than 2 meters in height and are suitable for growing in a container are suitable.
The olive tree at home is a miniature, evergreen plant with a spherical and compact crown. Young plants have light gray bark, older plants have dark bark. The leaves are dense, narrow, lanceolate, dark green in color. They stay on the branches for a long time and do not fall off even in winter. They are updated every 2 years.
The flowers are white, small, bisexual, with a goblet-shaped cup. The fruits are elongated oval single-seeded drupes, about three centimeters long, which have a pointed or blunt end and a fleshy pericarp. The color of the fruit can be green or dark purple, depending on the variety. Its average weight is 15 g.
Olive tree at home
Many people are concerned about the question of whether this plant will take root in our apartments? Under natural conditions, the olive tree grows in semi-deserts, on rocky mountain slopes, and on saline and poor soils. Sometimes where no other plant can survive.
The olive tree appears silvery from afar because its dark green, narrow leaves are covered with a bluish coating on the underside. It is even sometimes mistaken for some kind of willow.
The olive's drought resistance is striking. In this, the date palm can probably be compared with it. Both of these trees like their crowns to be warm and their roots to be cool. In search of moisture, they send their roots very deep, reaching groundwater, sometimes located at a depth of 5-7 meters.
Olive tree: care
At home, this unpretentious plant does not require complex care. It requires a well-lit “place of residence” and abundant watering during the period of active growth (March-August). In autumn, watering olive trees is reduced, and in winter, when the plant seems to freeze, the soil in the pots is moistened no more than twice a week.
Reproduction
The domestic olive tree, which is easy to care for even for a novice gardener, is propagated by seeds, graftings and cuttings. To grow a tree solely for decorative purposes, the plant is propagated by seeds.
Preparing the seeds
This method is quite lengthy, but it allows you to see the entire development cycle of the tree and guarantees its high survival rate. Before planting, they are soaked for 12 hours in a caustic soda solution. Then they are rinsed with water and planted in a pot with a diameter of no more than nine centimeters to a depth of two centimeters. The soil should be moist and nutritious. In addition, you should pay attention to the fact that the soil is loose and light. This mixture consists of leaf and turf soil, sand, and peat in equal volumes. Large, oblong-shaped olive seeds are planted in small (5 cm in diameter) pots no deeper than 1 centimeter.
You will see the first shoots in 2 months. At this time, you should carefully monitor the soil moisture. It is recommended to water the crops as the clod of earth dries out and try not to allow it to become waterlogged or dry out. Seed germination, as a rule, is 40-50%. Often the seeds do not germinate or produce non-viable, weak sprouts that die after a short time. If we grow an olive tree from seeds, the first fruits should be expected no earlier than ten years later. If you want to speed up the timing of fruiting or flowering, grown seedlings must be grafted onto varietal plants.
Surprisingly, you can grow an olive tree at home even from a seed. True, to get a good result it is necessary to carry out a long preparation process.
Propagation by cuttings
In this case, the olive tree retains all its maternal characteristics. The first fruits appear in the third, in rare cases in the second year. It is necessary to take two or three summer branches. Their sections are carefully treated with a growth stimulant, then planted in sand ten centimeters deep, and the seedlings are covered with glass on top (polyethylene can also be used for this purpose).
The optimal temperature for rooting is 25-27 °C. This usually occurs within a month, after which shoots begin to appear. After 3-4 months, the root system will be fully formed, and the seedling can be transplanted to its permanent place in a large pot.
Lighting
The olive tree, which is easy to care for at home, loves good lighting, so the window sills of southern windows are suitable for young plants. Mature trees can be placed in any well-lit place in the room.
In the warm season, it is useful to take the plant out into the air - into the garden or onto the balcony. An abundance of light is especially necessary during the period of plant growth and bud formation. If there is not enough of it, the olive will slow down its growth. In winter, the tree needs additional lighting to prevent leaves from falling.
The air should be heated to 18-22 °C - this is the most comfortable for this crop. During the dormant period (winter), the temperature should not exceed 13 °C. Such conditions will promote the formation of flower buds. Watering during this period is reduced, and fertilizing the soil is not recommended.
Blooming olive: care
During the flowering period, the plant needs more careful care. At this time, it is very important to monitor the condition of the soil. Watering is carried out as needed (when the top layer of soil dries out). If there is not enough moisture, the plant's leaves become dull, curl, and then fall off. This may even lead to the death of the tree.
Slightly yellowish or completely white flowers with a delicate and refined aroma bloom in mid-June. At home, the tree is decorated with delicate flowers for several months. The plant is pollinated by wind and insects, but daily shaking of the branches is necessary for home olives. With self-pollination, fruits can be set in different sizes, and cross-pollination significantly improves their quality and yield.
Despite the fact that the olive tree tolerates dry air well, we recommend spraying its crown in extreme heat. Until the age of four, the plant needs annual replanting. This is usually done in early spring, and it is not necessary to change the entire contents of the pot; it is enough to replace only the top layer of soil with a more fertile and fresh one.
Trimming
Regular pruning will help you give the olive crown a spherical, neat shape. Carrying out this procedure, remove dry and weak branches, shorten long shoots, create the desired shape. If you decide to grow an olive tree for its fruit, remember that the bulk of the harvest comes from last year's growth. Therefore, pruning must be done very carefully so that you can enjoy the harvest next year.
Despite the somewhat labor-intensive growing process, the olive tree is unpretentious and not prone to diseases. With regular and proper care, two years after planting you will be able to admire a blooming olive and get a good harvest (up to 2 kg of fruit per year).
Feeding
During active growth and development of the olive tree (February-October), fertilizing should be carried out regularly (once every fifteen days) with solutions and infusions of organic and mineral fertilizers. For better fruit set and development in the summer, it is useful to add double superphosphate. For this, an aqueous solution of the substance is used at the rate of five grams per liter of water. In addition, it can be mullein - a two-week infusion, diluted 15-20 times before use.
From November to February, all metabolic processes slow down sharply in an olive tree kept indoors, and it goes into a dormant state. In winter, fertilizing is not carried out.
If you set out to grow a home olive tree, you must remember that insufficient light, excessive watering and very high air temperatures in winter will not allow you to “tame” such a tree in your home. If you cope with these obstacles, then you need to be patient, because in comparison with most plants that experienced gardeners know, the olive develops very slowly, and it does not bloom too quickly. But lovers of indoor plants are attracted by the fact that you can grow it all your life - this small tree lives, according to scientists, for at least three thousand years.
This plant has been grown since ancient times, and its branch is considered a symbol of peace. European olive - what beneficial properties are inherent in this culture?
Description of European olive
Today, the European olive is grown in many countries around the world, and the areas occupied by this plant amount to millions of hectares. Plantations are located in Mediterranean countries, on the Black Sea coast, in Abkhazia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Georgia, Iran, India, Iraq, Pakistan. Recognized leaders in the cultivation of this crop are Portugal, Greece, Spain, and Italy. Olive is successfully cultivated in Southern Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Olive is a subtropical evergreen tree (less often a shrub). The height of the tree reaches 4-12 m, and the height of the bush - 3 m. The plant belongs to the Olive genus and the Olive family. This plant is not found in the wild. The Mediterranean (southeastern region) is considered the birthplace of the culture.
The olive trunk is twisted and gnarled. The bark of the tree is gray. Olive branches are long and gnarled. The leaves are leathery, entire. They are gray-green on top and lighter, silver underneath. The leaves do not fall off in winter; they are renewed gradually (the process takes 2-3 years). Flowering begins at the end of April and continues until the beginning of July. The flowers are very fragrant, small (2-4 cm in length). They are painted white and have 2 stamens. Each inflorescence contains 10-40 flowers. If before the beginning of the flowering season the tree experiences a moisture deficit, but the yield falls (cross-pollination saves the situation).
The fruit is a drupe with an elongated oval shape. The length of the berry is no more than 4 cm, the average diameter is 1-2 cm. The tip of the berries can be either blunt or pointed. The fleshy pericarp contains oil. The color of the pulp depends on the variety - the color can be green, black, dark purple. The berries are often covered with a waxy coating. Inside the fruit there is a dense stone (it has a grooved surface).
The harvest is harvested 4-5 months after flowering (once every 2 years). The average productive age of trees is 20 years. Olive varieties are conventionally divided into 2 groups: oilseed and canned. The former are used to obtain oil, and the latter are used to prepare various kinds of canned food.
Chemical composition of European olive
The fruits contain up to 70% fatty oil. The oil contains oleic, palmitic, stearic, linoleic, arachidic and other acids. Olives contain catechins, carotenoids, anthocyanins, waxes, pectins, carbohydrates, proteins, and saponins. The leaves contain organic acids, resins, essential oil, phytosterols, tannins, oleuropein, flavonoids, tannins and bitter substances. All parts of the plant contain vitamins C, E, group B, as well as minerals (potassium, phosphorus, iron).
Uses of European olive
Strong, heavy olive wood is used. It polishes well and is ideal for making furniture and carpentry. Wood is often used by wood carvers.
Olives are grown to produce fruit. They are preserved in vinegar, oil, and salt solution. Depending on the chosen preservation method, the taste can be tart, salty, or piquant. The fruits are canned both with and without pits (some products are often used instead of pits - capers, lemon, pepper, etc.).
Oil is made from the fruit. Cold pressing produces high-quality Provençal oil. “Wooden” oil is prepared by pressing pulp and seeds (in this case, the raw materials are heated). Olives are used in preparing various dishes.
Beneficial properties of European olive
The leaves are collected during the flowering period, and the fruits in the fall. Both are used in traditional medicine recipes. Tree bark is used for normalization of pressure and treatment respiratory system. “Wood” oil is suitable for making soap, ointments, masks, and plasters. Cold pressed olive oil has enveloping, emollient, mild laxative and choleretic action. It is used to dissolve certain medicinal substances. The oil brings relief from stomach colic. It is used to cleanse the body in case of poisoning. External use of the oil is indicated for insect bites and bruises. Oil increases diuresis, cleanses blood vessels. Leaf extract heals hypertension.
Contraindications to the use of European olive
European olive brings only benefits to the body. There are only two strict contraindications. The first one is individual intolerance, and the second is cholecystitis (you can’t overuse olive oil because of its choleretic effect).
Not only in Greece and Italy, but also on the Black Sea coast. The plant enjoys well-deserved recognition.
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European olive, or Cultural olive, or European olive, or Olive tree(lat. Olea europaea) - evergreen subtropical tree; species of the genus Olive ( Olea) family Olive ( Oleaceae).
The plant has been cultivated for olive oil since ancient times and is not found in the wild.
Area [ | ]
Fruit [ | ]
Olive fruits on a branch
90% of the olives are used to make olive oil, which even without preservatives has a long shelf life, which is of great importance for the Mediterranean. Other olives are pickled with or without pits.
Olives are rich in fats; The yield of oil to absolutely dry matter, depending on the pomological variety, ranges from 50 to 80%. The fruits are rich in proteins, pectins, sugars, vitamins: B, C, E, P-active catechins, contain potassium salts, phosphorus, iron and other elements. In addition, carbohydrates, catechins, phenolcarboxylic acids, pectin substances, and triterpene saponins were found in the fruits. The leaves contain organic acids, phytosterol, oleuropein glycoside, resins, flavonoids, lactone elenolide, bitter and tannins, essential oil, which includes esters, phenols, camphene, eugenol, cineol, citral and alcohols. The leaves contain glycosides, organic acids, bitterness, flavonoids and tannins.
Olive fruit oil is the main product for which this crop is mainly cultivated. But olive fruits are also widely used in the canning industry for making canned food from green fruits, and from black ones - dry-salted olives. Provencal olive oil is used in the food industry in the production of gourmet canned fish (sprats, sardines).
Canned olives, dry-salted black olives, and especially stuffed ones, have a piquant taste, are a snack, canned delicacy, complement the range of food products, and most importantly, have medicinal value.
Wood [ | ]
Greenish-yellow, heavy, strong and curly wood lends itself well to polishing and is used for making furniture. It is also valued by wood carvers; it is used for inlays and the manufacture of expensive turning and carpentry products.
Medical use[ | ]
They are trying to replace quinine with the bark of the olive tree, and infusions from the leaves normalize blood pressure and breathing. The raw pulp of the fruit contains up to 80% non-drying oil [ ], which contains unsaturated fatty acids - oleic (75%), linoleic (13%) and linolenic (0.55%). Unlike animal fats, they are not only not harmful, but bring considerable benefits to the body. The fact is that the acids they contain - the main component of vitamin F - are necessary as building materials for cell membranes, and the body itself synthesizes them only partially [ ] .
Other Applications[ | ]
Olive oil is used in the cosmetics industry. The second and lower grades of oil are known as wood oil and are used for lubricating machines and soap making.
The plants are a good ameliorant on terraced mountain slopes steeper than 10-12°. They make the soil resistant to erosion and subsidence, which is very important in stopping landslides, soil erosion and wasteful discharge of water from precipitation. Olive trees, characterized by durability and power of the root system, are able to stop the spontaneous situation in the Opolznevsky forestry.
Taxonomy [ | ]
Olea europaea, 1753, Sp. Pl. 1:8.
Synonyms [ | ]
Subspecies [ | ]
- Olea europaea subsp. europaea
- Olea europaea subsp. cerasiformis &
- Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata (Wall. ex G. Don) Cif.
- Olea europaea subsp. guanchica et al.
- Olea europaea subsp. laperrinei (Batt. & Trab.) Cif.
- Olea europaea subsp. Moroccana (Greuter & Burdet) et al.
History and geography of cultivation[ | ]
Azerbaijan [ | ]
In the territory of present-day Azerbaijan, olives have been cultivated for a very long time. This is confirmed by the remains of this plant found during excavations in Absheron, Barda and other areas. Over time, the olive plantations of Azerbaijan were lost as a result of medieval wars, and there is no literary information about the development of this culture until the 17th century inclusive.
Currently, one of the oldest trees, which is at least 180-200 years old, has survived in the village of Nardaran (Baku). In Baku, in the Governor's Garden there are about 100 trees aged 80-90 years, in Ganja there are six trees of about the same age.
In 1939, olive state farms were created in the Baku region - “Mashtaginsky”, “Zykhsky”, “Zyrinsky” and “Turkiyansky”. The total harvest of olives arriving at the cannery by 1965 reached 220-250 tons per year, of which 25-30 tons were for dry salting.
Olive is also used as an ornamental plant, as a decoration for avenues, parks and squares. Mass harvesting from these trees, the number of which reaches 40 thousand, is not organized, and the yield obtained from them by 1965 was 13-15 tons
Greece [ | ]
Georgia [ | ]
Literary sources claim that olives have been cultivated in Georgia since ancient times. At the end of the 18th century, significant plantings were created in the Tbilisi region, as well as in other places. Currently, olive plantations in Kakheti occupy about 200 hectares. In the territory of unrecognized Abkhazia, the largest olive tract is about 4,000 trees; it is located in New Athos, on the lands of the New Athos Monastery. Currently, in the Gagra region there are wild olive trees, living witnesses to the fact that in ancient times this crop was widespread in these places.
Spain [ | ]
Spain is a world leader in olive production. In 2011, Spain produced 7,869 thousand tons of olives (total world production that year was 19,894, so Spain's share was 39.55% of world production, according to FAO).
Grove of olive trees in Umbria
Italy [ | ]
Italy surpasses the classic olive-producing country Greece in terms of olive plantings. Olive is one of the main cultivated plants in Italy. Most of the country's olive plantings are co-located with grapes, citrus fruits, figs and almonds. According to data for 1958, 226 thousand hectares were occupied by olive plantations in Italy. In 1965, 1,792 thousand tons of olive fruits were harvested in Italy.
Portugal [ | ]
Türkiye [ | ]
One of the olive producing countries is Türkiye.
Croatia and Montenegro[ | ]
2000-year-old olive tree in Bar (Montenegro)
In Croatia, olive plantations suffered greatly during World War II. The German occupiers cut down and burned, according to incomplete data, more than a million trees.
One of the oldest olives is considered to be a 2000-year-old tree growing in the city of Bar in Montenegro.
Israel and the Palestinian Authority[ | ]
Palestine is one of the world's largest suppliers of souvenirs and religious goods made from olive wood, including those made mainly in the Palestinian city of Bethlehem. These are crosses, rosaries, Christian-themed figurines and Christmas tree decorations.
Many olive trees in Palestine were planted centuries and millennia ago during the Roman Empire and have survived to this day. An example of this is the olive trees in
An ancient Greek legend says that the olive tree is the creation of the hands of Athena herself, the patroness of peaceful labor and just wars. She stuck her spear into the ground, and an olive tree immediately grew from it, and the new city was named Athens.
European olive
Olive is an evergreen plant (tree). Its leaves are dark green on the outside and silvery on the inside.
The flowers of the tree are very small and fragrant, they are collected in brushes, and the crown is wide and spreading, the branches and trunk are curved. The bark, as a rule, has a gray color, it is covered with scales and forms peculiar nodules.
The fruit of this plant is probably familiar to everyone; it is pulp with a stone. The tree blooms from May to June, but the fruits ripen from October to December. The plant grows quite slowly, but it is very drought-resistant and durable.
It must be said that the European olive is a noble tree with an interesting history. Each leaf of a plant lives for one year, sometimes two. At the base of each leaf there is a bud that remains dormant for a long time; it begins to grow only when absolutely necessary. For example, when pruning or some damage. This amazing property makes the olive very stable, it is capable of complete recovery.
Useful properties of wood
The European olive is under the influence of the hot rays of the sun and healing sea air all year round. This is probably what gives its fruits and leaves unique properties. Archaeologists claim that the beneficial properties of the leaves were known to people several thousand years ago. They have a pronounced antimicrobial effect, and therefore are used as an antifever agent and for treating purulent wounds. In addition, a decoction of the leaves helps normalize blood pressure.
The leaves of the plant release many phytoncides, which is invaluable in medicinal practice. Decoctions of them are used as a diuretic for edema, as well as for preventive purposes against atherosclerosis and obesity.
Harvest
Harvesting from trees begins at a time when most of the fruits acquire a purple hue. On the one hand, they are not yet fully ripe, but it is at this moment that they contain the highest percentage of oil, with a strong aroma and very little bitterness. Before the harvest begins, canvases are spread under the trees, on which the olives will actually fall. The fruits are knocked down with a special rotating device, but they are not damaged, but remain intact. There is another way to harvest. They pass through the trees with a special “rake”, as if combing them. Ripe fruits fall to the ground.
After the fruits are collected, the crown is pruned. This is a very important and responsible job, because olives are formed on two-year-old branches. Therefore, the procedure itself is carried out by a special specialist - a circumciser. This profession is passed down from generation to generation. As a rule, the crown is formed in the form of a bowl, this is done in order to ensure good penetration of sunlight.
Olive europaea: home care
In principle, olives can be grown at home in our latitudes. To do this, the tree needs to be properly cared for.
European olive tolerates our climate well. But still, trees need to be watered quite regularly, and moderately. This is best done with water. During active growth, the plant must be fed. The European olive loves sunny places. In summer, it is better to move it to a balcony or terrace. In winter, it is better to place the plant in a cool place, and from February begin to increase the temperature. In spring, trees need to be moved to the brightest places where they feel best. They begin to bloom in May and June, when the temperature reaches eighteen degrees.
In spring, trees respond well to fertilizing with complex fertilizers with nitrogen. Thanks to this, flower buds form earlier.
Flowering and pollination of plants
Small white or slightly yellow flowers with a delicate delicate aroma appear around mid-June. At home, European olive blooms a little longer than usual, about several months. The flowers are pollinated by the wind and insects, but if there is no wind at all, then the branches need to be shaken daily. During the process of self-pollination, fruits can be set in different sizes. But cross-pollination significantly improves the yield and quality of olives. European olive produces approximately two kilograms of fruit in indoor conditions, and up to twenty kilograms in garden conditions.
To get a harvest, you need to know how to care for European olive. In principle, this tree is very drought-resistant, but if there is no obvious growth of branches, you need to understand that it lacks moisture. In addition, the plant is very light-loving (branches become exposed in poorly lit places); it does not tolerate acidic and waterlogged soils. Liming the soil can significantly increase the yield.
Olive propagation
European olive is propagated by cuttings, seeds and grafting. Just before planting, the seeds are dipped in a 10% alkali solution for 18 hours, then they are washed and the nose of the seed is cut off with pruning shears. Next, they are planted to a depth of about two to three centimeters. The first shoots appear after two to three months.
When using grafting, the original wild tree is used. The first fruits from such a tree can only be seen after 8-10 years.
For cuttings, they use cut 2-4 year old branches, the diameter of which is 3-4 centimeters. The sections are processed and then buried horizontally in March in sand to a depth of ten centimeters. Since there are many cuttings, the first shoots will appear within a month. Before planting, cuttings must be treated with a growth stimulator.
- The optimal temperature is 20-25 degrees.
- Good lighting, but without direct sunlight.
To maintain high humidity, the box with cuttings must be covered with film. Seedlings are sprayed (sprayed, not watered) with water at room temperature at least once a day. Plants are replanted after two to four months. They will begin to bear fruit only in the second or third year.
The best time for planting is autumn (for regions with mild winters). The trees are fed with manure, adding superphosphate to prevent soil oxidation. And in the spring the earth is limed.
At home, you need to carry out formative and health-improving haircuts of the crown. To do this, remove weak, dry and unnecessary branches and give the crown the desired shape.
Since ancient times, olives have been grown for their fruits, which were soaked and then salted, after which they acquired a very pleasant taste.
Very often the crop in our latitudes is grown exclusively for decorative purposes. Therefore, you can safely form a bonsai. The European olive has an irregularly shaped trunk and few branches bearing dense leaves with contrasting colors. In general, the plant is quite beautiful, interesting and perfect for forming into a bonsai.
Such a tree will decorate not only the room, but also the garden. According to reviews from knowledgeable gardeners, we can say that this plant is not very demanding to care for, and therefore you can safely start growing it at home, at least for decorative purposes.
How to form a bonsai?
To form a bonsai, you need to pinch out new shoots throughout the entire growth period of the tree. This will give impetus to the appearance of many buds throughout the tree. However, the process cannot be carried out at temperatures from 10 to 35 degrees. This can lead to a reduction in the size of the leaves. Young plants are pinched to 1-3 leaves.
When large branches are pruned during the growing season, numerous, vigorous growth occurs in the pruned areas. Therefore, you need to remove unwanted buds, otherwise there will be too many shoots. Large branches are best removed in autumn or winter, when growth is significantly slower. Olive reacts quite unpredictably to pruning large shoots.
When forming a bonsai, you need to be careful, since the plant is quite fragile and the bark and wood are very easily damaged. Therefore, you need to wrap the tree with wire very carefully; you should not touch young branches less than three years old.
Absolutely any style of bonsai can be obtained from the European olive. Vertical and broom-shaped ones are preferred. Spider mites are very dangerous for the plant; they are completely invisible on the tree. They severely deform the leaves, they begin to curl and fall off green.
Instead of an afterword
What is European olive? First of all, this is a wonderful, beautiful plant that produces wonderful fruits. In addition, it is used for decorative purposes to decorate the home and garden. If desired, European olive can be grown at home and even produce fruits. The tree is valued not only for its delicious fruits, but also for its medicinal properties, which have been known to people since ancient times.
