A sacred tree, the symbol of hope and a sign of divine clemency. Symbol of purity and of life, the olive is one of the staple foods of the people of the Mediterranean. In Ancient Greece, it stood for wisdom and immortality, because it is very hardy. Normally of a modest height (5 to 8 metres), it is distinguished by a trunk, often short and usually twisted. This tree is susceptible to the cold. Its long straight leaves are dark green on the top and silvery-grey underneath. Its yellowy-white flowers appear as little clusters in the axils of the leaves, leading to the egg-shaped fruit, olives, around 1.5 to 2 cm long. It is useful in the prevention of arteriosclerosis and heart diseases becase it lowers ‘bad’ cholesterol and increases the good.