Info on the rare wood of the olive tree root. Life expectancy of olive trees in the mediteranian.?

Question

Why is the root of the olive tree so cherished and sought after? What makes the root wood so durable and useful in knife handles etc.

Note Added, Apparently there is a huge demand for the root wood of the Olive Tree, and some type of restriction on harvesting it that has something to do with it`s value. Apparently the root only becomes valuable and useful as a valued item after an Olive Tree has reached it`s life expectancy and dies, then and only then apparently the root is able to reach it`s highest density levels and is useful and very valuable. I`m hoping someone with more information will be able to confirm these ideas and speculation. [e-mail] can reach me direct e-mail as well.

Answer 1

Some of the mountain olive trees in the North West of Italy are over 200 years old. Gnarles, twisted and ugly but still capable of giving a reliable and abundant crop of olives. As long as the old wood is cut away and the tree kept relatively pruned there does not seem to be any sign of them dying. I suppose something to do with it is the fact that they only get a severe frost once in about fifteen years. Next December when I am over there I must have a look at the root wood - never noticed it before...........