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Olea europaea L.

Another centuries-old olive tree grows in Motta Sant’Anastasia (CT). It can be found inside the almond and olive grove outside Contrada Gebbia, and it’s supposed to be 1.000 and 1.200 years old; this impressive specimen is about 27.8-ft tall, with a trunk circumference of some 25 ft at 4.2 ft from the ground (its maximum circumference measures some 26.2 ft). The trunk shows several ribs, interrupted by frequent cavities due to cariogenic fungi, and suffers from serious hyperplasia. The foliage tends to be shaped like an umbrella.

How to reach it

From the town of Motta Sant’Anastasia, take via Vittorio Emanuele and via dell’Ulivo millenario.

Botanical Card

The olive tree is a very long-lived evergreen species; its cultivation is native to the Middle East and then spread throughout the Mediterranean basin.

The species is thermophilic and heliophilic, it prefers dry and arid environments and climates, while it is quite sensitive to low temperatures.

It prefers loose, coarse, and shallow soils with outcropping rockiness. It tolerates salt quite well, so it can also grow along a coastline.
The ideal growing altitude ranges between the sea level and 2.952 ft.

The species is edible and cultivated for the fresh consumption of its fruits, as well as for the production of oil. The latter has several beneficial features, as regular consumption can reduce the risk of circulatory disorders and hyperacidity. The flavor of the oil depends on every single variety, the processing technique, and the time of harvesting.

The olive tree wood is very hard and smooth; it is used for floors and fine cabinetry and inlays – it also serves as very good fuel.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)