NATIONAL TREE SERIES ~ ALBANIA / OLIVE TREE

The next instalment in our National Tree Series - is Albania, and the Olive Tree (Olea europaea).

Here are some interesting facts you may not know about the Olive Tree -

1. The average lifespan of an olive tree is 300-600 years. But there are cases of them living much longer, like below...

2. The oldest certified olive tree is more than 2000 years old! It lives in Greece and still bears fruit.

3. The olive tree ranges in height from 10 to 40 feet and has numerous branches full of silvery-green feather-like leaves.

4. It's protected by the Law. In Ancient Greece, a person could be fined for digging up too many olive trees, even on their own land. Greece doesn't mess around!


5. Olive tree waste provides renewable energy; when burned it produces 2.5 times the heat of burning wood, and the smoke is harmless. Its ash is used for fertilizing gardens.

6. The wood of an olive tree is resistant to decay.

7. The olive tree is WONDROUS. It provides a tasty fruit for consumption after it's cured. It gives us an incredibly healthful oil that can be used for cooking, skincare, lighting and spiritual purposes. And, it grows a powerful leaf that's used in medicinal teas and extracts.

8. The olive branch has long been regarded as a symbol for peace. It appears on the national flags of seven nations, four US states and the flag of the United Nations.

(Information thanks to Queen Creek Olive Mill)