Tree of the Month: The Common Olive of Travancore

Botanical Name: Olea europaea

Common Name: European Olive

Height: 12m

Width: 15m

Address: Corner of Baroda and Cashmere Street, Travancore, 3032

April’s tree of the month located in Travancore is a remarkable example of a Common Olive (Olea europaea), representing both the resilience and long history of this much-loved species.

This common olive tree is one of the longest-lived tree species in the world. Typically, it grows to around 10 metres in height and is quite drought tolerant. Some of the oldest recorded examples are believed to be up to 4000 years old in parts of the Mediterranean such as Crete.

This particular tree displays the characteristic form of olives, which often develop multiple trunks from the base and take on a gnarled, sculptural appearance with age. Planted in 1912 at the time of construction of the house, this tree is in good health and fits in with the charm and character of the area.

Olives are very suitable for Moonee Valley’s conditions, thriving in warm, dry environments. Heat from surrounding roads and pavements can even help encourage fruiting in some varieties.

While olives can be considered weedy in some drier regions, this is not the case in Moonee Valley.

The Travancore olive featured here is listed on the Local Tree Register, standing at approximately 12 metres tall with a canopy spread of 15 by 13 metres. It is an impressive and valued local landmark.