Use of Olive Cultivars in Landscape Planning Regard ing Form and Texture

Abstract

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 bee n planted in Isfahan University of Technology (2000), were used in randomized block de sign with 3 replications and some of their vegetative characters were measured. A cluste r analysis was done using seven factors effective on tree texture, which divided cu ltivars into 3 groups and a separate genotype. Also, another cluster analysis done on th e seven factors effective on tree form classified olive cultivars in 3 groups. In short, M anzanilla, Spain, and Amphisis cultivars performed wide oval form and fine-medium coarse tex ture, so they could be used as background tree, screen, and group planting in gree n spaces. Roughani, Mishen, Valanolia, Gorgan, Kroneiki, Zard, and Sevillana cu ltivars 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 textur e is suitable as accent, screen, and frame plant. Keywords : Landscape, Olive, Tree form, Tree texture, Vegetative characters.