204 



G. P. W. Collection. PlaTE C 



Olca Eiiropea. 



OLIVE. 



The ( )live, which is a native of Southwestern Asia, is not a tree 

 of any great height, but is very longUved, and yields prolifically. 

 Although not cultivated to any extent, the Olive has been grow- 

 ing in Hawaii for many years. However, it has fruited only in 

 a few favorable localities, and nothing has ever been done to 

 test its value commercially. 



The tree thrives best in a warm, dry atmosphere, where the 

 soil is rich and well drained. Long-continued droughts so detri- 

 mental to most plants will affect the Olive but slightly. The tree 

 requires judicious pruning immediately after the fruit is gath- 

 ered, when the sap is comparatively at rest. The small, thick 

 leaves are lanceolate, opposite, and usually entire ; they are dull 

 green above and silvery beneath. The small white flowers, which 

 come in panicles, are usually imperfect. The fruit is a small, 

 ellipsoid drupe, which is bluish-black when ripe. Its oil is 

 an important ])roduct. The Olive may be propagated from 

 seeds, cuttings, layers, suckers and pieces of the old stumps. The 

 seeds require some time to germinate, and the growth of the 

 young plant is slow. 



