Why did Mukesh Ambani spend US$120,000 on two olive trees? They’re Spanish, took five days to transport across India to the billionaire’s Jamnagar estate, and may live 1,000 years

Dec 21 , 2021

Mukesh Ambani is renowned for his expensive taste in cars, houses and planes – apparently he also has a thing for quality forestry. Photos: @PavanJourno/Twitter, @mukesh.ambaniii/Instagram

The Reliance Industries boss is renowned for his expensive taste in cars, houses, private jets, and family weddings and parties – apparently he also has a thing for quality forestry

The super-rare, 170-year-old olive trees were imported from Spain on Ambani’s request, were nursed for two years in Andhra Pradesh – and are believed to bring good luck

Mukesh Ambani is one of the richest men in the world. His latest net worth is estimated to be around US$92.6 billion. His luxury tastes are well documented: he only travels in a private jet and his 27-storey Mumbai home is worth an estimated US$2.6 billion. At his daughter Isha’s wedding in 2018, there was even an exclusive performance by Beyoncé.

Mukesh Ambani isn’t shy about sharing his expensive tastes with the world. Photo: @mukeshambaniofficial/Instagram

So when there are rare and expensive luck-giving trees on the market – really – it might not be so surprising that Ambani is one of the few people in the world with the will and the means to fork out.

Here’s the incredible story of how he spent more than US$100,000 on two rare olive trees. Not just that, but the Indian businessman made sure they were well cared for for two years in India before a mammoth five-day journey to their final home at his estate in Jamnagar.

They’re super rare

The Times of India reported that the two rare olive trees are between 170 and 200 years old. They were imported from Spain on Ambani’s request and are reportedly now planted in the landscaped garden at his Jamnagar estate, the same venue where his grandchild Prithvi Akash Ambani’s outrageously baller first birthday party was recently held.

Why olive trees?

Olive trees in their native habitat. Photo: Xiangyu Olive Development Co.

So why the extravagance? The owners of the nursery at Kadiyam, near Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh, where the trees were housed, told The Hindu that olive trees are believed to be sacred in certain cultures. And while olive trees are not grown in India, many residents still believe they bring good fortune.

Because of this, they reported an increase in demand for olive saplings. The species is also considered special as the trees have a long lifespan, with some living for over 1,000 years. The bigger the tree in length and width, the higher the price.

The extraordinary transport process