Black Olive

Bucida buceras L.

BUCE-ah-dah  buu-SAIR-as

Combretaceae

Explanation of name: Based on bucera, Latin for the leguminous herb Fenugreek, in recognition of remarkable similarities in the fruits. In Black Olive they often elongate dramatically and become twisted horn-shaped galls as the result of infestation by a mite (illustrated in TOM), coming to resemble the long pods of Fenugreek.

Natural range: West Indies, not Florida, but escaped from cultivation (WU1)

Although some authors suspect the tree to be native to the FL Keys (see UFST102), TOM  and WU1 regard this as erroneous.

Natural habitat: Hammocks

Recognition: Trees with often oblanceolate or obovate leaves in tufts on short shoots, sometimes mixed with long narrow thorns, and a tendency toward dichotomous fine branching; main branches tending to be horizontal; flowers numerous in inconspicuous elongate clusters

Landscape uses: A tough shade tree forgiving of harsh urban conditions very popular for tough sites, such as parking lots. Favored for bonsai.