Use of Olive Cultivars in Landscape Planning Regarding Form and Texture

Olive is a perennial evergreen tree which has good adaptability to poor environmental conditions such as salt and drought resistance. In recent years, there is a tendency to plant olive trees in green spaces. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate 15 olive cultivars regarding growth habit, form, and texture to recommend for landscape. Six-year-old trees of 15 olive cultivars, which had been planted in Isfahan University of Technology (2000), were used in randomized block design with 3 replications and some of their vegetative characters were measured. A cluster analysis was done using seven factors effective on tree texture, which divided cultivars into 3 groups and a separate genotype. Also, another cluster analysis done on the seven factors effective on tree form classified olive cultivars in 3 groups. In short, Manzanilla, Spain, and Amphisis cultivars performed wide oval form and fine-medium coarse texture, so they could be used as background tree, screen, and group planting in green spaces. Roughani, Mishen, Valanolia, Gorgan, Kroneiki, Zard, and Sevillana cultivars showed round form and medium texture which could be used as specimen tree to plant in lawn. Rashid cultivar with long height, long oval form, and coarse texture is suitable as accent, screen, and frame plant.