Olea Europaea Sylvestris

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Oleaceae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Olea

Species

europaea var. sylvestris

Description

Belonging to the Oleaceae botanical family, this species grows wild in the Mediterranean macchia. The trunk has light grey bark, twists and becomes gnarled in old age. It has glossy, elliptical, narrow, leathery, dark green persistent leaves with a light grey underside. It blossoms in April-June and produces oblong, glossy, drupe-like fruits that are green at first and then turn red-purple or black. Compared to Olea sativa, it has smaller, harder leaves and less pulpy fruit.

Origin and distribution

Some botanical scholars claim that the species originated in Syria, and from there it was introduced to the Mediterranean basin, while according to others it is an autochthonous species.

Leaf

The leaves, evergreen and leathery, have a narrow oval or elliptical lamina.

Leaf colour

Two-tone, homogeneous colour: dark green on the upper page while the lower page is light grey.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.3 to 1.5 m, depending on the size of the pot.

Lifespan

Evergreen Perennial Species.

Where to plant

Suitable as bonsai for large pots, small pots.

Stem

The stem, woody and with light grey bark, twists and becomes knotty in old age; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, small form with a gamopetalous corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in small to medium-sized raceme or cluster inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to early summer. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Indeterminate growth plant.

Plant habit

It develops a habitus with an erect stem and globular crown.

Branching

Theabundant branching allows for dense foliage.

PH

It requires a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 in the growth and cultivation soil.

Sun exposure

Requires full sun exposure. Ensure maximum light even when placed indoors during the coldest period.

Ideal climate and temperature

Species suitable for a warm and dry climate. It is suitable for indoor bonsai because exposure to temperatures below 10 °C should be avoided in the cold season. The ideal temperature is between 15 and 30 °C.

Use

In relation to climatic conditions, it is widely appreciated as a bonsai species in:
Outdoor ornamental environment Indoor ornamental environment

Hardiness

Of medium to high hardiness, it is an indoor plant in cold climates but does not require too high temperatures indoors, but rather excellent light. It adapts well to hot summer climates.

Soil

Use a specific bonsai soil or prepare a mixture of 25% good porous component (sand, pumice, etc.), 50% clay component (akadama) and 25% peat-based soil.

Difficulty

It is an easy plant in terms of cultivation management and maintenance but, like all bonsai, it must be cared for very regularly.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation tips for better vegetative development:
Expose the plant to maximum light Prefers warm, dry climate Shelter the plant indoors at temperatures below 12°C in good light conditions Correct pruning

Combinations with other plants

Prune regularly in order to shape the plant and maintain it. Pruning the Olive tree is always possible, letting new shoots grow regularly throughout the growing season and cutting back when they reach 6 pairs of leaves. Constantly remove suckers and suckers when they form.

Pruning

Prune regularly in order to shape the plant and maintain it. Pruning the Olive tree is always possible, letting new shoots grow regularly throughout the growing season and cutting back when they reach 6 pairs of leaves. Constantly remove suckers and suckers when they form.

Propagation

Multiplication can take place from seed and cuttings.

Repotting

Repotting should be done every two or three years in August, reducing the root system.

Watering

Water the pot not excessively but continuously during the growing season to allow for constant growth. Allow the substrate to dry between two successive waterings. Carefully avoid stagnation. Raise the pot to allow excess water to drain away.

Fertilising

Use specific slow-release organic fertilisers, of Japanese origin, with titres designed for bonsai. In this way the plant will take up the available elements independently when it needs them. Spread on the pot, under the foliage, lightly inserting the granules into the soil.

Autumn-winter fertilisation should always be done with an organic fertiliser, but less rich in nitrogen (e.g. Biogold classic) in order to avoid over-fertilisation.

Tip

Carefully avoid stagnation and allow the substrate to dry out between watering. Raise the pot to facilitate water drainage. Leave the plant in as much light as possible Prune regularly to shape the plant and maintain it.