ALSO KNOWN AS:
LECCIO
AREA OF ORIGIN:
TUSCANY
DIFFUSION AREA:
Italy, Argentina, Australia, Jordan, Israel and New Zealand.
TREE:
The plant, a widely diffused oil variety, is vigorous with an open semi-pendulous habit. The crown is ample and expansive with many pendulous small branches which are curved at the tip. The leaves are of medium dimension, elliptical-lanceolate in shape and greenish-gray in color. The underside has a yellowish hue.
FRUIT:
The drupe is of medium size (2 to 2.5 grams), ellipsoidal and slightly asymmetrical in shape with a rounded tip and flattened base. The maturation is early and simultaneous. The fruit is purple-black although dark green at the optimal picking time.
AGRONOMIC CHARACTERS:
The variety is self-sterile and so needs a pollinator, principally Pendolino or Maurino, although Frantoio and Maraiolo are also effective. Production is constant with no evident alternative bearing when the orchard is properly managed. It has good resistance to a number of pathogens including olive knot (Pseudomonas savastanoi) and peacock spot (Cycloconium oleaginum).
OIL CONTENT:
It has a variable oil content of between 16 and 21%, mildly fruity and delicate. The oil is not always of a high quality standard especially when grown in warmer areas.
HARVEST TIME:
From the end of October to the beginning of December in Italy.
OTHER CHARACTERS:
This is a very rustic variety, widely planted throughout the world. More recently it has been used for the production of table olives, semi-ripe or black.
