Description

Origin
The Olea europaea ‘Sylvestris’ is a Mediterranean species that originates from regions around the Mediterranean. It is a very ancient species whose cultivation dates back to prehistoric times. The vernacular name ‘Sylvestris’ means ‘of the forest’, a reference to its wild nature in its original habitat.

Characteristics
The Olea europaea ‘Sylvestris’ is a robust tree resistant to cold with narrow and silvery leaves. Its height can vary from a few meters to 10 meters in the open ground. The tree blooms late in spring with small white flowers, followed by small black olives in autumn. The bark of its trunk is gray and becomes increasingly wrinkled and rough over the years.

Care
The wild olive tree prefers a sunny spot with good drainage. Unlike its cultivated counterpart, the Olea europaea ‘Sylvestris’ is quite drought-resistant and can survive in poor soils. It is recommended to protect it from frost in winter, especially for young specimens, and to prune it in spring to maintain its shape and size. Regular fertilization during the growing season aids in the development of healthy leaves and flowering.