**Scientific Name** Olea europaea (European olive) **Common Name** Common Olive, Olive Tree **Origin** Native to the Mediterranean **Description** The Common Olive has been the key to prosperity for ancient empires and modern chefs alike, with evidence for the use and cultivation of olive trees around the Mediterranean Sea dating back thousands of years. By owning your own olive, you can bring this heritage into your home! The olive's silvery bark and silver-green leaves are beautiful in their own right, and fruit from July to October. Olives grow slowly and don't reach a huge size, so they are great for growing in pots or in small gardens. If growing indoors, make sure it gets as much light as possible; if outdoors, give it a sunny, sheltered spot. Used to warmer climes, olives can suffer in the cooler British climate, but if you care for them well they can still fruit in the UK! **Light** Indoors, the olive needs bright light, so pop it in your brightest window; it will appreciate if