Five Amazing Facts about the Olive Tree

The olive tree is a plant with a rich and ancient history, and nowadays everybody is aware of how healthy olive oil is and we all know how delicious olives can be. However, even though it has been around for thousands of years, there are still some facts about the olive tree that might surprise you.

Did you know that?

• The oldest olive tree is more than 2000 years old – olive trees have an average life span between 400 and 600 years. The Olive tree of Vouves in Crete, Greece is believed to be the oldest one in the world – at least 2000 years old, according to the tree ring analysis. And even more amazing than its age is the fact that it still produces olives!

• An olive tree can produce 800 kilos of olives in a year – this is not the general norm, of course, but it is quite am impressive exception! On average, a mature olive tree will produce between 20 to 90 kilos of olives annually.

• 865 million – this is how many olive trees are estimated to be in the world today. And there are over 500 different varieties of olives.

• Olive trees are practically indestructible – besides the fact that olive trees are tolerant to drought and do not need water to survive, their root system is so strong that it is literally impossible to “kill” them. The roots are capable of regenerating themselves even when the trunk is destroyed by disease, fire or frost.

• The olive tree was once considered sacred – there is no other tree richer in symbolism than the olive tree. Throughout the centuries and across cultures, it was used to represent peace, abundance, glory, power, fertility, wisdom and purity. In ancient times, the olive branches were used in rituals to please deities, but also in games and battles to crown the victors.