The Vouves Olive Tree (Greek: Ελιά Βουβών) is an olive tree located in the village of Ano Vouves, in the administrative unit of Kolymvari, region
The exact age of the tree cannot be determined. Using radioisotopes is not possible, as the heartwood of the tree has been lost over the centuries, while annual ring analysis suggests that the tree is at least 2000 years old. On the other hand, scientists from the University of Crete estimate that the tree could be up to 4000 years old. However, information at the site of the current olive tree states that the tree is between 3000 and 5000 years old.
According to The New Greece, current research in Crete and abroad shows that previous estimates of the age of olive trees are in question. There is no agreed scientific method for determining the age of olive trees. In the case of the Vouves olive tree, it could be much younger than previous estimates, or even the ancient tree in Finix (Sfakia).
The tree continues to bear fruit today, after being grafted with the 'Tsounati' variety. The trunk is 12.5m in circumference and 4.6m in diameter. The surface of the tree has a beautiful spiral and undulation. There is a large cavity inside, which used to contain the heartwood of the tree.
In 1997, the tree was declared a protected natural monument, and in October 2009, the Vouves Olive Tree Museum was inaugurated in a nearby 19th-century house, showcasing traditional tools and olive growing processes. Branches from the tree were used to weave laurel wreaths for the champions of the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Olive trees cover about a quarter of the island of Crete, and the 5,000-year-old olive tree receives around 20,000 visitors a year.
Khải Minh
