Olea Tree (Oleaceae)

European, olive tree
Native to the Mediterranean basin and the Middle East, it is a very long-lived evergreen, thought to live for over a thousand years. Cultivated as a fruit tree, over time it has become a popular addition to gardens and private villas thanks to its elegance and grandeur.
The leaves are opposite, leathery, glaucous green above and silver underneath.
The flowers appear in spring and are white; the fruits, commonly known as olives, appear in autumn. They are green and turn shiny black when fully ripe. Oil is obtained by pressing them.