PLANT LIBRARY
Olive tree
The growing of olive trees has supported the development of civilizations around the Mediterranean region, historic birthplace of this tree. Assuming the aspect of different signification for some, it was a sign of strength and longevity for some, symbol of victory and peace for others. As for its precious olive oil, it constitutes a standing and wealth source. All parts of this tree (bark, leaves, and fruits) are valued for their specific virtues: astringent, toning, depurative, febrifuge and anti-rheumatism.
Olive tree is a small greyish-white persistent bush, from 8 to 15 meters high. It small leaves are opposite, oval with entire edges and ash-grey colored. Its trunk is gnarled and crooked. Its small white flowers are grouped in small axillary clusters and appear from May to June. In October, they give way to small fleshy-very like fruits (olives), whose skin is smooth and covered by a waxy layer. First green, olive becomes black at full maturity.
Nowadays, olive tree is used for its hypotensive and hypoglycemic properties. In cosmetic, olive leaves have antioxidant virtues and sooth, brought by flavonoids and simple phenols. Moreover, tannins give them a sebum regulator function.