Page 68 - Ebook bonsai for beginner

Olive

Olea europaea

Wild Olive, before and after styling, by Walter Pall. Age: 50 years, height 2’4” / 70 cm

The olive (Olea europea) is a tree commonly found in Mediterranean
countries, where it is a tree with strong symbolic importance. You can

use cultivated varieties (like the normal olive) but it is common to use the
wild olive (Olea europea silvestrys). The wild olive is of greater interest
for Bonsai as these develop tiny leaves. In many cases these possess
much-appreciated features like the presence of deadwood (jin or shari)
and bark that indicate a high age and survival in hostile conditions. The
Olive as Bonsai tree is easy to care for and very strong so it is a suitable
choice for use as Bonsai.

Specific care guidelines

Position: Place the Olive Bonsai outside and at a sunny spot, this also
helps to reduce the size of the leaves. Must be protected during the

winter if temperatures get too low.