Olea europaea

Olea europaea is the scientific name for the olive tree, a small evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region. It produces small, leathery leaves and bears fruit called olives, which are widely cultivated for their oil and culinary uses. Olive oil extracted from these fruits is a staple in cooking and has health benefits due to its high monounsaturated fat content. The olive tree is hardy, drought-resistant, and has been cultivated for thousands of years, symbolizing peace and prosperity in many cultures. It thrives in sunny, well-drained soils and can live for several centuries, often becoming an iconic part of Mediterranean landscapes.