Wood Information
Olivewood; Olea europaea;        
Common Names: Olive wood, Mediterranean olive, European olive, Spanish
olive, etc.
Distribution: Native to Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa, and parts of Asia, the
tree is now grown commercially in Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand,
Mediterranean Basin and California. The olive tree has a 5,000 year history of
cultivation  for its leaves, fruit and oil. Olive leaves are used in medicinal teas.
The wood is difficult to find and expensive.
Tree: The tree belong to the Oleaceae family, which also includes ash, jasmine
and lilac trees. The tree is small, often shrub like reaching 15 to 30 feet tall.
African sub-species can reach 100 feet tall.
Wood: The wood is hard and dense with wild and colorful grain patterns,
including reds to creams with brown and / or black lines.
Uses: The wood is mainly used for small artisan works and some veneers, it is
difficult to get in long lengths. The wood is used for inlays, bowls and carvings.     
   
Harding Pens and Woodturnings
#166-171 Olivewood Pens
Close-up
Olivewood