Flowers at olive trees
The flowers of olive trees are small, cream-colored blossoms that typically lack a noticeable fragrance. These flowers have a tubular shape, with four petals fused at the base, forming a tube that slightly flares at the top. Arranged in inflorescences known as panicles, olive tree flowers emerge from the axils of the leaves, usually near the tips of the branches.
Olive trees primarily rely on wind pollination, though insect pollinators like bees can also aid in the process. Successful flower pollination is crucial for fruit production. Olive trees exhibit an alternate bearing pattern, with heavy fruit production one year followed by a lighter crop or no fruit at all the next year.
After successful pollination, the flowers develop into small, oval-shaped fruits known as olives. Initially green, the olives change color as they mature, eventually turning black or purple when fully ripe, depending on the variety.