At least one modern treatment (Davidse, G. Et al 2009. Cucurbitaceae a Polemoniaceae. Fl. Mesoamer. 4(1): 1-855.) has moved this species to Terminalia as Terminalia buceras (L.) C.Wright.

Common Name: Black Olive

General Information

Black olive is a spiny, wide-spreading, slow growing, evergreen tree with very dense foliage and a spreading crown that becomes oval to rounded with age[]. The tree usually grows 9 - 18 metres tall, though heights of 33 metres have been recorded[]. The erect, cylindrical bole is usually up to 90cm in diameter, with some specimens to 150cm[].
The tree is highly valued for its wood, and is also a local source of tannins. It is often grown as an ornamental and shade tree[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Northern S. America - Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama to Mexico; through the Caribbean to Florida.

Habitat

Forests of the moist and dry limestone regions and forests along coasts and streams near the sea in Puerto Rico[]. Brackish marshes through the West Indies[]. Forests along the coasts and by streams[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A tree of mainly low elevations in the tropics, where it is often found near the coast and at elevations up to 450 metres. It grows best in areas where the mean annual temperatures are within the range 24 - 28°c and the mean annual rainfall is in the range 750 - 2,000mm[].
Prefers a position in full sun[]. Grows best in a rich, moist, well-drained soil, though it can be grown in almost any type of soil[]. It has a high tolerance to saline soils, growing well in sea-side locations[]. Tolerant of air pollution[]. Although the branches are heavy, the plant is very wind tolerant and able to withstand hurricanes[]. Established plans are drought tolerant[].
The tree coppices until it reaches saw log size (around 30cm in diameter)[].
The tree needs somewhat careful siting because it exudes a dark, sticky substance that drips down onto and coats anything underneath[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark is astringent[].
A bark and leaf decoction is taken as a remedy for fever[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant has strong roots that can lift up paving stones and damage foundations[]. Its extensive, fibrous root system holds the soil and prevents erosion[].
The tree is ideal for planting as a windbreak[].

Other Uses

The bark, galls and leaves are a source of tannins[].

The heartwood is yellowish to greenish-brown, olive hued; not always sharply demarcated from the yellowish- to light brown sapwood[]. Longitudinal stripes are frequent as a result of roey grain; the texture is moderately fine to medium; very lustrous. Although green wood has a tarry odour, seasoned wood has no characteristic odour or taste[]. The wood is very hard, very heavy, very strong and tough[]. It is durable in contact with the soil and resistant to dry-wood termites, but is not resistant to marine borers[]. The wood is rather difficult to saw and machine with hand and power tools because of its very high density. Very smooth finishes can be obtained, however torn grain is common in planing[]. The wood is highly valued for making posts, poles, railway sleepers, and other durable construction; heavy duty flooring, workbenches etc[].
The wood is a good fuel and is used for making an excellent grade of charcoal[, , ].

Propagation

Seed -

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