Olea Europaea, the Mediterranean Olive Tree
Olea Europaea, translated to ‘European olive’ is the Latin name given to the humble olive. It might be more common to see olives sitting in our fridge than rolling Mediterranean landscapes, but have we ever thought about the history of the much loved olive? There’s a new wave of popularity for the beautiful olive tree, and it’s fast becoming the go-to fashion accessory for homes. But for many cultures, olive trees hold deep meaning, long before the days of seeking the perfect ‘insta worthy’ image.
A bit of history
Olea Europaea can withstand super high temperatures, proving more strength and resilience than most trees of its kind. And we’ve all heard the term holding out an olive branch? This is where it originated. The olive branch has been used as a symbol of peace around the world, dating back to the 5th century. Perhaps the most enjoyed part of the olive tree is the incredible fruit it produces. These small green fruits of heaven symbolise joy, happiness and peace (especially when enjoyed with a glass of red and a cheese board).
The Olive is characterised by its stunning trunk.
Tuscan charm inside your home
The latest trend for houseplants and indoor urban jungles has sent Pinterest boards and Instagram feeds crazy with dreamy images of olive trees. Modern interiors create the perfect backdrop to the light, sage coloured foliage and rustic silvery branches. And although olive trees prefer sun (and a lot of it) surprisingly they can be nurtured indoors with the right care and attention. It’s worth noting they can’t be grown indoors forever, they generally only live indoors for eight to nine years. But, that’s quite a few of days of Mediterranean sunshine brought into your home, so it might just be worth the effort.
Olive trees for every garden
It’s not just interiors that are shooting the olive tree to fame. Gardens of all sizes and styles are looking to the olive tree to create the perfect outdoor space. Although labelled evergreen, Olea Europaea actually has light reflecting leaves that are wonderfully silvery in colour. These elegant trees really do offer a romantic setting for any type of garden or outdoor space. The manageable size of olive trees makes them ideal for small gardens and city urban spaces. Although olive trees work really well in modern spaces, they also bring a sophisticated charm to period homes and gardens.
The beloved Olea Europaea – the olive, is defined by such beautiful characteristics that captivate any space. They’re remarkably versatile, and they bring a warm smile on the cloudiest of days.
