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Olive Biology

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The Olive Tree Genome

Part of the book series: Compendium of Plant Genomes ((CPG))

Abstract

The olive is a medium-sized evergreen tree, which integrates a unique set of morphological and developmental characteristics suited to the relatively dry, rustic conditions of its Mediterranean origin. Also particular to the olive tree are its numerous small fruits, which are rich in oil that is highly appreciated for both flavor and health benefits. The Olea europaea species includes both wild and cultivated forms, and both a long period of domestication and the perseverance of wild varieties provide a range of morphological variation, as does the developmental plasticity of this species. This chapter reviews the general growth and taxonomy of the olive tree and describes its vegetative and reproductive morphology and anatomy. Basic structural features of the trunk and branches, leaves, roots, flowers, fruits, and seeds are described. Current research is indicated for the structures discussed, and information provided regarding adaptive significance, environmental influences, and genetically based variability among cultivars or between wild and cultivated genotypes.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto de Agricultura Sostenible, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Campus Alameda Del Obispo, Av Menéndez Pidal s/n, 14004, Córdoba, Spain

    Hava F. Rapoport

  2. Department of Food Sciences, University of Parma, Parco, Area delle Scienze 59/A, 43124, Parma, Italy

    Andrea Fabbri

  3. BioLabs, Institute of Life Sciences, Sant’Anna University, Piazza Martiri della Libertà, 33, 56127, Pisa, Italy

    Luca Sebastiani

Authors
  1. Hava F. Rapoport
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  2. Andrea Fabbri
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  3. Luca Sebastiani
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hava F. Rapoport .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. DAFNE, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy

    Eddo Rugini

  2. Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council, Perugia, Italy

    Luciana Baldoni

  3. DAFNE, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy

    Rosario Muleo

  4. Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy

    Luca Sebastiani

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Rapoport, H.F., Fabbri, A., Sebastiani, L. (2016). Olive Biology. In: Rugini, E., Baldoni, L., Muleo, R., Sebastiani, L. (eds) The Olive Tree Genome. Compendium of Plant Genomes. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48887-5_2

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