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Olive

The olive (*Olea europaea*) is a subtropical evergreen tree in the family Oleaceae, and the name also refers to its edible fruit.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The olive (*Olea europaea*) is a subtropical evergreen tree in the family Oleaceae, and the name also refers to its edible fruit. Native to the Mediterranean region and nearby parts of western Asia and Africa, it has been cultivated for thousands of years for table olives, olive oil, wood, and ornamental use. Olives are central to Mediterranean cuisine and are grown widely in warm temperate regions.

Botany

*Olea europaea* is an evergreen tree or large shrub with leathery leaves and small white flowers. Its fruit is a drupe, containing a fleshy outer layer and a hard pit.

Distribution and cultivation

The olive originated in the Mediterranean and adjoining regions of western Asia and Africa, and it has been cultivated since antiquity. It remains especially important in Mediterranean countries, though it is now grown in many warm regions worldwide.

Uses

Olives are used as table fruit after processing and as a major source of olive oil. The tree is also grown for fine wood and ornamental purposes.

Cultural significance

Olive branches have long symbolized peace, and the species has been an important crop in Mediterranean history and commerce. It is one of the oldest cultivated plants known.

Key facts

  • The olive is both a plant species and the edible fruit it produces.
  • It is an evergreen member of the family Oleaceae.
  • The species is native to the Mediterranean region and has ancient origins in cultivation.
  • Olives are primarily grown for olive oil and table use.
  • The fruit must usually be processed to reduce bitterness before eating.
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Canadian context

Olive oil and table olives are common ingredients in Canadian grocery and restaurant supply chains, especially in Mediterranean and international cuisine.

Frequently asked questions

What is an olive?
An olive is the edible fruit of *Olea europaea*, an evergreen tree in the Oleaceae family.
Where do olives come from?
Olives are native to the Mediterranean Basin and nearby parts of western Asia and Africa.
What are olives used for?
They are used mainly for olive oil and table olives, and also for wood and ornamental planting.
Why are fresh olives bitter?
Fresh olives are usually too bitter to eat raw and are processed to make them palatable.
How old is olive cultivation?
Olive cultivation dates back to ancient times, with evidence from at least 3,000 BCE and possibly earlier.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olive
    Supports: Basic taxonomy, native range, and uses of the olive tree and fruit.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/olive-plant
    Supports: Species description, edible fruit, and culinary importance.
  3. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources — https://ucanr.edu/site/fruit-nut-research-information-center/olive-fact-sheet
    Supports: Family, genus, botanical description, origin, fruit type, and production context.
  4. University of Oxford — https://herbaria.plants.ox.ac.uk/bol/plants400/Profiles/OP/Olea
    Supports: Morphology, origins, and long cultivation history.
  5. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/olive-plant
    Supports: Ancient cultivation, processing bitterness, and broad significance.