A majestic olive tree in the northern Tunisian town of Echraf in El Haouaria holds the title of Africa’s oldest olive tree. The tree, believed to date back to the Phoenician era, covers an impressive 220 square meters and stands ten meters tall, according to a Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report.

Its roots delve 21 metres underground, and its branches spread an astonishing 12 metres. The Tunisian Olive Institute has officially recognised the Echraf olive tree as the continent’s oldest, surpassing the 900-year-old Akkarit olive tree in southern Tunisia. Despite its age, the tree continues to produce olives, though in declining quantities due to drought and climate change.

Residents say the Echraf tree’s olive oil has a unique almond-like flavour. However, production has plummeted from around 600 kilograms of oil 15 years ago to just 250 kilograms last year. In some years, the tree yields no olives at all.

Source : Emirates News Agency