TiiK Olivk in Arizona 



495 



the olil tree in foreground. Fig. 3). Another habit of the olive is that 

 of forming suckers around tlie base. If allowed to grow without 

 pruning, it (lc\-elops several trunks and persists in throwing out pro- 

 tecting sprouts. 



The olive is generally considered a slow-growing tree; but under 

 favorable conditions its growth is quite rapid, as shown by five-year- 



Fi{^. y,. 1 lij oiive o:'(*i:iii| top-uiaTtcd lo iiiurt 



old trees at the Yuma Date Orchard and Horticultural Station which 

 have reached a height of fifteen feet and a spread of twelve feet. 

 Figure 4 shows the growth of a Mission tree two years from planting 

 (Salt River Valley Farm). Olive trees attain great age, as is evidenced 

 by the old monarchs of the plant world growing in parts of Europe 

 and Asia. 



