Though there are about 20 species in the genus Olea in the Eastern Hemisphere, there are hundreds of cultivars. One species, Olea europea, is widely grown for its fruit, a source of olive oil and edible olives. Cultivated in the Mediterranean for more than 5000 years, the tree has been a symbol of peace and good will since ancient times.
The fleshy oblong olive fruit is a drupe (a fleshy fruit with a stone, which contains the seed).
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