Generally from the entire Mediterranean area.  These are fruit bearing trees, producing the Olive.

It’s not a typical species for veneer production because the trees, although at times quite tall, don’t develop the “standard” boule shape.  They’re more twisted and can be riddled with knots.  An occasional example may be found that yields lengths longer than a meter or two.

Though the trees are plentiful as a species, in some area of the Middle East they are protected and cannot be harvested.  Kind of like Redwood, only in specific cases can one be extracted.

In addition to the variegated coloration, some logs will also develop figure.