Olive Tree

Olea europaea

Status: Originating in Italy, today olive trees are grown in many other countries for olive crops, including Spain and Greece. In their native region in Italy, they are being plagued by the spread of a deadly bacteria Xylella fastidiosa that is quickly decimating groves. Climate change has affected weather patterns and temperatures, and these fluctuations greatly affect plants that are acclimated to their particular environments. Lack of, or excessive rainfall affects trees susceptibility to pathogens. Many tree species around the world are experiencing these difficulties. Their longer lifespan compared to smaller plants makes them less adaptable to change and less able to exist outside of their native geographic zones.

In antiquity, the olive tree was the symbol of civilization, peace, and prosperity. The Ancient Greeks had a story of how Athena won over Attica.

Posiedon, god of the Sea, and Athena, goddess of Wisdom and War, were at odds. Both wished to lay claim to the earthly land of the Attic Peninsula. To stake his claim, Posiedon rose up and plunged his trident deep into the Acropolis. His strike pierced through the dirt and stone, and the crack became a deep well of salt water. This became the Sea of Erechtheis, a salt spring on the Acropolis. Athena peaceably stepped forward, and made an olive tree spring forth beside the well. When the other gods of Olympus were called upon to judge which god would be the city's patron, it was decided that Athena's gift was the more worthy and precious one. Henceforth the city became known as Athens, and olive trees revered as symbols of peace and prosperity throughout the Empire.

References: