552 BOTANY OF CROP PLANTS 



The olive is probably a native of the Mediterranean region . 

 Its cultivation in this country is confined almost entirely to 



Fig. 227. — Olive (Olea europoea). Branch and fruit. (From Calif. Agr. 



Exp. Sla.) 



the warm, dry portions of CaUfornia. The olive requires a 

 mean annual temperature of 57°F., and it is claimed that at 

 no time should the temperature go below i4°F. 



