ANCIENT WILD OLIVE TREE
Acebuche de Las Hoyas

The Colossus of Las Hoyas

This majestic ancient wild olive tree is one of the most remarkable trees in Spain.

With a trunk circumference of 10 metres, a height of more than 15 metres and a crown measuring 24 metres across, this natural colossus continues to display extraordinary vitality, symbolising the resilience and adaptability of this species in the Sierra de Cazorla area.

Its spectacular size and unique shape, including an imposing lateral branch, create an unmistakable appearance. Its enormous trunk is crossed by numerous intertwined veins that carry sap towards its powerful main branches, which are also remarkable for their size and age.

Its owner, Juan Manuel Melero, carefully maintains it through selective pruning, removing dead branches and allowing more light to enter the crown in order to preserve the tree’s balance and condition.

The olives are harvested using manual and traditional methods. Ladders are used to reach the highest areas, and the fruit is collected by hand stripping or with hand-held combs, always with the greatest care. Harvesting sheets are placed beneath the tree to protect the quality of the olives.

Despite its great age, the tree retains exceptional vitality and remains remarkably productive, yielding between 800 and 900 kg of olives each year -a normal olive tree produces between 50 and 150 kg-.

These olives produce a unique Extra Virgin Olive Oil, with an extraordinary aroma and outstanding qualities that reflect the singular nature of this remarkable tree.

Recognition

Chosen as the Best Monumental Olive Tree in Spain in 2023 by the Spanish Association of Olive-Growing Municipalities.

Characteristics of the wild olive tree

• Trunk circumference: 10 metres.
• Height: more than 15 metres.
• Crown width: 24 metres.
• Estimated age: between 1,200 and 1,500 years.
• Annual production: more than 800 kg of olives.