The timeless beauty and rustic elegance of the ornamental olive tree is just part of what makes it a living legend; deep within the dense, gnarled trunk and leafy canopy is a vast, rich heritage spanning thousands of years – the history behind the allure.

The European Olive Tree:

It’s Not Just For Europe and Not Strictly for Olives Anymore

The mental images that usually accompany any thought of European landscapes often include vast expanses of vineyards, lavender fields, and yes, sprawling olive groves teeming with rows of luxuriant trees.

But have you ever taken a moment to think about the rich history, cultural significance, and diverse environments that these trees can inhabit? Even more intriguing, there is some good news for European olive tree fans in Thailand. But before we get to that reveal, let's take a closer look at this ancient tree and its origins.

The Olive Tree Ventures Into The World

The European olive tree has graced the sun-kissed Mediterranean region for centuries; A common touchpoint linking a wide diversity of cultures, traditions, and cuisines. With a history that unflinchingly wends its way through art, ancient myths, old-world commerce and modern kitchens, the olive tree’s historical influence is as rich as the aromatic oil extracted from its fruit.

And now, after a long history as an icon of its homeland, the olive tree has enjoyed fast-rising international popularity as a reliable ornamental feature in luxury landscaping design. Fueled by modern shipping innovations and increasingly sophisticated tastes, this botanical diaspora has resulted in olive trees being welcomed into foreign gardens in such varied places as Europe, North America and even Southeast Asia… that means Thailand and olive trees just might be a good match!

Early regional Migration of the European Olive Tree

Tracing its roots (some puns are just meant to be — live with it) back to the Mediterranean basin a few thousand years ago or more, the European Olive Tree has endured the worst of the elements to survive and grow stronger.

Throughout history, it has stood firmly-rooted in the soil and rock, stoically watching over the ever-changing landscapes as civilizations rose and fell. As people, cuisines and cultures intertwined and mingled, the olive tree gradually made its way from the modern-day Iberian Peninsula region to eastern Mediterranean coasts through trade and migration.

Prized for its ability to adapt and tolerance to adverse growing conditions, and buoyed by the enduringly high demand of its supreme-quality oil and fruit, olive trees can be found in the gardens of discerning home-landscapers and high-end commercial properties across the globe, including most regions of Thailand.

Here’s what makes Them Unique

Although the more than 800 varieties of olive tree vary in appearance, some common traits include elegantly-elongated, silvery-green leaves that rustle soulfully in the breeze – a few of them with an eye-catching two-tone coloring.   

The densely-wooded trunks of some ancient varieties appear surrealistically gnarled and twisted, the result of the sturdy pillars accommodating the tree’s ever-changing needs and environment over vast expanses of time. This gives the olive tree widespread appeal among those who can appreciate the unique aesthetic and heritage value of these century-spanning time-warriors.

History-Defining Economic and Cultural Influence

It’s impossible to imagine the famed Mediterranean cuisine without olives and olive oil: Spanish tapas, Greek salad, Italian bread-dipping — all are signature dishes that would not be possible without the precious fruit of this legendary tree.

But in ancient times, olive oil also played a huge role in commerce, being used as a currency, a traded commodity and even loan collateral! But its long societal reach doesn’t stop there…

In the cultural realm, the olive branch has come to symbolize peace and harmonious relations among peoples. In sport, dignitaries of ancient Greece crowned their athletic victors with small semi-wreathes made of olive leaves, while references to olive trees generously dot historical literature and were frequently featured in tales and myths of gods, kings and the lives of ordinary people of the times.

European Olive Trees in Thailand: A Can-Do Aspiration

At first glance, pairing the Mediterranean-bred European olive tree with Thailand's tropical climate and humid environment might have an Odd Couple ring to it. But the pleasant reality is that the European olive tree has found welcoming and fertile grounds among Thailand’s discerning home- and commercial landscapers.

But Not For Everyone…

Thailand boasts a geographically diverse landscape with a variety of regional weather characteristics. While many parts of the country are simply too hot or too wet to make growing olive trees practical, there are more than a few regions where the weather closely tracks with that of their Mediterranean homeland. This means they can grow and thrive to their fullest aesthetic and lifespan potential in Thailand, ensuring owners will enjoy an authentic olive tree experience.

There is one significant caveat: Olive trees require 2-to-3 weeks of cool weather (64 F or less) in order to bear fruit. That translates into higher elevations found in the country’s mountainous north as the only Thai region suitable for fruiting. So if you want to harvest an olive crop in Thailand be sure to bring a coat!

It’s More Than Just a Tree

The European olive tree has long been prized for its bountiful harvest of fruit and oil, but today it’s gained a new popularity among luxury landscapers as a widely popular ornamental tree. And as olive trees are transported across seas, oceans and continents to take up residence in far-off lands — Thailand included! — they each become a new chapter in an ongoing narrative of resilience, adaptivity, and the harmonious mingling of horticultural heritages.

If you’ve gotten this far, then there’s a good chance that this article has piqued your interest in European olive trees, so it’s really a natural next step to view these evergreen wonders by clicking-in to our online gallery.

But if you really need convincing, come visit us at Century Olive Tree Nursery and Show-Gardens, where you can stroll among rare and mature European olive trees, displayed in actual landscape settings.

Who knows? After seeing these sometimes surreal, always mesmerizing and beautiful trees yourself, that curiosity we’ve piqued might just turn into a must-have passion!   

Book your personal Century Olive Tree tour today! It’s fast and convenient on our official LINE account, or call +66 9896 82666, +66 9339 33666.