The olive tree is an evergreen tree or shrub of historical and cultural importance. Olive trees are important crops in the Mediterranean region, mainly used for the production of olive oil and edible olive fruit.

The olive tree (Canarium spp.) is a common name for approximately 75 species of plants in the olive family and genus Olivaceae. There are over 500 cultivated varieties of olive trees worldwide. The flowering period is from April to May, and the fruit ripening period is from October to December. Light loving tree species with certain cold resistance; Originating from the Mediterranean coastal region in southern Europe. Widely introduced in China, it is planted in 15 provinces and regions south of the Yangtze River Basin, including Guangdong and Guangxi, with the highest number in Hubei, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Shaanxi provinces. The fruit can be pressed for oil, consumed, or used to make candied fruits.

Van Gogh's "Olive Tree" series was created by him between 1889 and 1890, mainly in Saint Remi, France. He voluntarily stayed in a mental hospital there for a year, during which he painted the hospital's garden, as well as nearby olive trees, cypress trees, and wheat fields when he obtained permission. The Olive Tree series holds a special significance for him. His painting 'The Olive Harvester' showcases the relationship between humans and nature. By depicting one of the cycles of life - harvesting or death - they also convey an example that individuals can connect with nature through communication with it. 'The Olive Tree' is currently housed at the Minneapolis Academy of Fine Arts.