Olive tree of Vouves facts for kids
The Olive Tree of Vouves is a very old and famous olive tree. It grows in the village of Ano Vouves on the island of Crete, Greece. This amazing tree is thought to be one of the oldest olive trees in the world. It still grows delicious olives even today!
Contents
How Old is the Vouves Olive Tree?
It's tricky to know the exact age of the Olive Tree of Vouves. Scientists cannot use all their usual methods. For example, they cannot use radioisotopes to find its age. This is because the inner part of its wood, called the heartwood, has disappeared over many centuries.
Different Age Estimates
Scientists have tried to find its age in other ways. By looking at its tree rings, they found the tree is at least 2,000 years old. Some experts from the University of Crete believe it could be as old as 4,000 years!
There are also two old cemeteries from the Geometric Period found near the tree. These cemeteries might give a clue about how old the tree is. However, there is no perfect scientific way to know the exact age of very old olive trees yet. So, the Olive Tree of Vouves could be even older or younger than people think.
What Makes This Tree Special?
This ancient tree is still very much alive and productive. It has been grafted with a special type of olive called 'Tsounati'. This helps it to keep growing olives.
Tree's Size
The trunk of the Olive Tree of Vouves is huge! It has a perimeter (the distance around it) of about 12.5 meters (41 feet). Its diameter (the distance across it) is about 4.6 meters (15 feet). Imagine how big that is!
A Protected and Famous Tree
In 1997, the Olive Tree of Vouves was declared a protected natural monument. This means it is special and kept safe.
The Olive Tree Museum
In October 2009, a museum opened near the tree. It is called the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves. The museum is in an old 19th-century house. It shows how people traditionally grew olives and what tools they used.
Olympic Connection
The Olive Tree of Vouves is so famous that its branches have been used for special events. Branches from this tree were woven into wreaths for the winners of the 2004 Athens Olympics. They were also used for the winners of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This shows how important and symbolic this tree is.
