Olive trees are highly prized for their fruit and longevity, because of this, any available wood is generally sourced from prunings, branches or naturally expired trees. Often thought of as a Mediterranean tree, the wild olive has a native spread from South Africa, right through the middle east to the Himalayas.
Hard and oily with close grain, olivewood is wonderful for woodturning, knife handles, carving and toolmaking, it has a strong fruity aroma that fills the workshop and makes the making process an absolute pleasure. Olivewood also has natural antibacterial qualities, which makes it a popular choice for kitchenware.
Often finely veined and sometimes heavily figured with a wild and wavy grain, and even patches of burr, with colours from creamy yellow through to a greenish brown with darker brown or even black streaks which become deeper and richer with age.
- Species: Olea europeae sub sp. Africana / Cuspidata
- Dimensions: 1½" x 1½" x 6" approx
- Origin: South Africa
