TARRAWINGEE’S historic Plough Inn has lain claim to the world’s tallest olive tree (Olea europaea).

According to the Victorian Heritage Database, the olive tree stands at 17.3m tall which owner of the Plough Inn, Phil Lithgow, said is the tallest in the world.

It has not been pruned for most of its life and so retains a wild form, growing to an exceptional height, it is the tallest specimen in the Significant Tree Register, and one of the oldest.

Phil said it was originally customers who alerted him to the significant size of the tree.

"We didn't even know it was an olive tree for the first six months we were here," he said.

"Local legend says the tree was here before the pub was built, which was 160 years ago."

The olive tree is historically significant for its association with the Plough Inn, a site of state significance listed in the Victorian Heritage Register (H0360).

A former Cobb & Co stables changing station, the original pub was founded by Henry Nolan in 1864 and was an important coach stop on the Beechworth Road.

Phil said the tree is an attraction for customers.

"It adds to the historic nature of the pub," he said.

"We look after the trees because we think the environment should be cared for.

"The pub goes together with the grounds, they are a package deal."