Dongxia Olives

Dongxia Olives

　　Olives are originally from Hainan Island and belong to subtropical evergreen fruit trees that thrive in warmth. In Zhejiang Province, they are only extensively cultivated on an economic scale in Xia Village, Tongxi Township, Tao Mountain District, Rui’an City, and Tangchuan Village, Pingyang County, making them rare and valuable fruit trees in the province. Dongxia Village is situated in a mountain hollow on the northern bank of the Feiyun River, backed by high mountains, free from cold winds in winter, and moderated by the large water body of the Feiyun River, resulting in a warm and humid climate. Most olive trees are planted on slopes of red-yellow soil with deep layers, loose texture, and good drainage, facing minimal threat from periodic frost damage, which is conducive to their healthy growth. Apart from Dongxia Village, a small number of olives are grown in some villages in Tao Mountain, Gaolou, and Mayu, but development has been slow. (Rui’an)