Definition: olivier

This tree, which belongs to the Oleaceae family, can live for centuries and can be considered immortal. Even if the trunk is destroyed, shoots spontaneously regenerate the tree. Generally not exceeding 3 to 4 metres in height, it can reach 10 to 15 metres if left unpruned. This perennial tree grows in stony soils. Like everything that grows on the Mediterranean coast, the olive tree is sensitive to the cold. Its leaves are evergreen, hard, small, elongated and a beautiful grey-green colour. Its flowers are arranged in clusters when the leaves appear. The fruits are, of course, green olives at first, then black when they reach maturity. Flowering takes place in May and June. The leaves contain a glycoside (oleuropein) which has hypoglycaemic and hypotensive properties: glycolic acid. Olive oil contains vitamins A and F. The cultivation of olive trees is called olive growing, carried out by olive growers. The wood of the cultivated olive tree, hard and veined, is highly prized in cabinet making.

When Noah sent out the dove as a scout, it returned with an olive branch in its beak, showing that the waters had receded.

In mythology, it is said that the goddess Pallas Athena brought the olive and fig trees to the Greeks. The Greeks made them symbols of wisdom. They revered the olive tree so much that they entrusted its cultivation to virgins and pure men.

In ancient Greek and Roman times, the olive tree was an emblem of fertility and a symbol of peace and glory.

The Romans called the olive tree "the tree of Minerva", the Latin version of Athena, and the tree was also an object of veneration.

For a long time, the olive tree was used as a fever reducer, replacing quinine when there was intermittent fever.

Olive harvest: the season when olives are harvested.

Olive grove or olive orchard: place where olive trees are grown.

Oleaster: wild olive tree.