The Bucida buceras, commonly known as the Black Olive tree, is a large evergreen shade tree native to the Caribbean, Mexico, and parts of Central America. Despite its name, it is not related to the edible olive tree; instead, it produces small black seed capsules that resemble olives but are inedible. The tree is admired for its dense, rounded crown and dark bluish-green, leathery leaves that cluster at the tips of branches, creating a lush canopy. It can grow up to 15 meters tall, making it a popular choice for streetscapes, parks, and gardens where shade and ornamental value are desired. Its growth habit is pyramidal when young, later spreading into a broad, flattened crown that provides excellent shelter. While hardy and wind-resistant, the Black Olive tree can be somewhat messy due to fruit drop, which may stain surfaces below. Nevertheless, it remains a prized landscape tree, valued for its resilience, beauty, and ability to thrive in tropical and subtropical climates.
