The olive tree shaped like no other crop on the Mediterranean landscape. In view of the olive tree, we are faced with the roots of western culture. In all countries around the Mediterranean, the olive tree is since ancient times more than just a plant. It is a symbol of culture in the original sense, the cautious, saving deal with nature. The grafting of wild olive tree probably was discovered in Syria or Palestine. Which hints ever might be, probably this thoroughly occidental tree (Olea europaea) has oriental roots - like so many things in our culture and religion.

With 473 million trees the most olive trees are on the Mediterranean. Worldwide there are about 750 million olive trees with over 1000 species.