Native to the Mediterranean region, it is an evergreen tree that can reach up to 15 m in height. With grayish bark and a twisted trunk, it has great ornamental value.

Highly rustic, it withstands from -8ºC to 40ºC.

It is drought-resistant and does not tolerate waterlogging, so it requires moderate watering.

It blooms between May and July and bears fruit between September and December.

The fruits are harvested between September and October if for table olives and between October and January for oil.