The Olive

Olea europea

Family Oleaceae

Maltese name Sigra taz-Zebbug

Habitat Maquis Afforestation

Evergreen tree. Rigid, dark green leaves are whitish underneath owing to dense covering of short hairs to reduce water loss. Flowers small, white. Fruit is the familiar black olive. grows in maquis, also cultivated, although locally not much grown for fruit or oil. Scarce in the wild.

 

An Olive grove in Buskett Gardens

An Olive grove in Buskett Gardens