Discover how scientists and growers determine the age of olive trees — from counting growth rings to using a simple trunk-diameter formula — and learn why some of the oldest trees in this grove have been standing for over 400 years.
Olives are fascinating plants—some can live for over 1,000 years! As with other trees, determining the age of younger trees is relatively simple: just count the growth rings. Dark rings form in summer and winter, while lighter ones appear in spring.
However, olive trees have a unique self-healing ability. As they age, new tissues grow over old ones, making the rings irregular and difficult to count.
We can also determine a tree's age without cutting it down. For olive trees, we estimate their age by multiplying the trunk diameter (in centimeters) by a coefficient of 3. For example, if an olive tree has a trunk diameter of 6 cm, we multiply it by 3, estimating the tree to be 18 years old.
Thanks to modern technology, we now know that the oldest olive trees in this grove are over 400 years old!
An olive grove is not just a place of cultivation – it is a space where nature and tradition exist in harmony. Here, rich biodiversity, native and rare olive cultivars, and daily work guided by the rhythm of the seasons come together.
The Presentation and Education Centre of the Brijuni National Park has been opened at the Boathouse.
Nestled in the gentle landscape northeast of town, the Church of St. Eliseus stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural beauty of the region.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of plant and animal life, which is increasingly endangered today.
