Differences between olive tree and wild olive tree

The world of extra virgin olive oil is much larger than it seems, and at Olivarte we know there are many questions surrounding it. One of them is the difference between olive tree and wild olive tree. Are they the same tree? Do they produce the same kind of oil? What really distinguishes them?

Our goal is for every customer to be clear about what they are buying and, for this reason, we wanted to make a olive tree vs wild olive tree comparison, in which we will tell you absolutely everything about each tree, analyzing their origin, characteristics, cultivation, and their role in the EVOO culture.

Olive tree and wild olive tree: the same tree, two different realities

Botanically speaking, the wild olive and olive tree belong to the same species, Olea europaea. However, the main difference between them lies in their degree of domestication. Let's take a look.

• The wild olive (Olea europaea var. sylvestris) is the wild olive tree, which grows spontaneously in the Mediterranean environment.
• The cultivated olive tree (Olea europaea var. europaea) is the result of centuries of selection and genetic improvement by humans.

This difference is what truly determines their appearance, productivity, and use, and it is the key to understanding any comparison between olive tree and wild olive tree.

If you want to discover it yourself, we encourage you to try this Mergaoliva Wild Olive EVOO, made from wild olives, 100% natural, with a unique and intense flavor that sets it apart from conventional olive oil.

Differences at a glance between the olive tree and wild olive tree

If we look at the olive tree and wild olive tree, we will quickly find the following differences:

Wild Olive Tree

• It has slower and more irregular growth.
• Its trunk is thinner and more twisted.
• The leaves are smaller and harder.
• It offers great resistance to drought and poor soils.

Olive Tree

• The trunk is thicker and more structured.
• The crown is wider and more manageable.
• The leaves are somewhat larger.
• It offers greater productivity and adaptation to cultivation.

These differences mean that the wild olive is considered a rustic species and the olive tree an agricultural plant optimized for production.

Wild olive vs olive tree: differences in the fruit

Another big difference between wild olive and olive tree lies in the fruit:

• The wild olive's olives are much smaller, with lower fat content.
• The olive tree produces fleshier olives rich in oil, selected precisely for their yield.

If you like this topic and want to delve a little deeper, we recommend this article about the differences between aceituna and oliva, where we explain in detail the nuances of the fruit and its denomination.

¿Can wild olive oil be made?

Yes, although it is not common. Wild olive oil exists, but its production is limited due to its low yield. Even so, it is a highly prized oil for its high polyphenol content, intense flavor, and extremely bitter and pungent character.

On the other hand, oil from cultivated olive trees allows for balanced, aromatic oils adapted to different profiles. Hence the importance of correctly distinguishing in the comparison between wild olive and olive tree when we talk about EVOO.

In this context, it is important to know the difference between virgin olive oil and extra virgin, since the final quality of the oil depends not only on the tree, but also on the production process.

Olive varieties, an advantage over wild olive

Another big difference of the olive tree vs wild olive is the great diversity of cultivated varieties. Arbequina, hojiblanca, picual, cornicabra... each one brings unique nuances to the oil.

A good example can be found in the difference between Arbequina and Hojiblanca olive oil, where you can see how varietal selection directly influences the flavor, aroma, and gastronomic use of EVOO.

The wild olive tree, on the other hand, does not present this controlled diversity, which limits its commercial use.

The value of the olive leaf

Beyond the fruit, the olive tree also stands out for other elements of great interest, such as its leaves. Over time, the properties of the olive leaf have been utilized for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, which reinforces the overall value of the cultivated tree.

Cultivation and maintenance

The wild olive grows freely, without the need for care. In contrast, the olive tree requires specific techniques to maximize its yield and quality, such as pruning. In this sense, knowing how and when to prune an olive tree is essential to obtain healthy olives and high-quality oils.

This agricultural management is one of the main reasons why the olive tree is the foundation of the EVOO we enjoy today.

Olive tree and wild olive, two sides of the history of EVOO

Ultimately, understanding the difference between the olive tree and the wild olive allows us to appreciate even more the value of extra virgin olive oil. As we have seen, the wild olive represents the origin, resilience, and wild nature. On the other hand, the olive tree symbolizes evolution, Mediterranean culture, and gastronomic excellence.

Although it is true that both are part of the same story, they serve very different functions, and knowing them is key to valuing authentic EVOO and everything behind each bottle.

At Olivarte we believe that knowledge is the first step to enjoying a great oil. And now you know perfectly how to distinguish between olive tree and wild olive.