OLIVE

CHARACTERISTICS
The cypress olive is one of the longest-lived, slow-growing evergreen trees in the Mediterranean area.
It is characterised by narrower, longer leaves and it has more compact vegetation than other varieties.
The underside of the leaves is silvery-white due to the presence of scaly hairs.
The upper part of the leaves is dark green.
This variety of olive tree produces very small white or greenish flowers that bloom on young branches, called mignolas.
Its fruits are ovoid drupes, varying in colour from green to yellow to purple to purplish-black, with an oily mesocarp and a tapering, woody, wrinkled stone.

USES
The olive tree is a fascinating Mediterranean plant of high ornamental value and easy care.
A symbol of peace and valour, the olive tree represented a natural element of strength and purification in mythology and religion.
The parts of the olive tree used in phytotherapy are the leaves and fruits and also the bark.
Its fruits have always been an important ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, like the oil that gives flavour to cooked and raw foods.