Clinging Olive Tree

This modest-sized fruit tree grows up to 11 feet (3.4 meters) tall and lives for up to 15 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 19 years old. It is susceptible to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a stocky, slanted trunk covered in smooth, pine-coloured bark, and inside, the dense wood is brown.

The numerous branches are tall, rigid and upright and are covered with large amounts of huge, thin leaves with serrated edges. The leaves themselves are found in copper, florescent green and silver varieties.

In early spring, it produces many tiny, brilliant yellow blossoms with heart-shaped shaped petals. They detach easily and have a powerful scent that smells like meat.

In early winter it produces small, triangular fruit. The leathery olive skin is stretchy and sweet, and the very soft brilliant yellow flesh is bitter and oily. The olive seeds are tiny and are bunched at the bottom of the fruit.

The roots spread far and go deep underground, and overall the tree is rigid and brittle.

Forests of this species feature trees spaced far apart, with patches of undergrowth between them.