Olive Trees in Puna

[james weatherford]

Got to know olives a bit in Australia. Helped a friend with planting 10ha, and watched what was happening as olive oil took off there 10 years ago. Mediteranean climate with hot summers and mild (green, no-snow) winters.

Above descriptions of climatic requirements sound right. The 'warmer temperature' varieties pose an interesting possibility.

Are olives invasive? They do naturalize, and can compete severely with natives in Australia. There are much worse invaders there and here, but still, akahele (proceed with caution).

James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park