This broad-canopied tropical tree is the Black Olive, Terminalia buceras. You may also see it listed under its older scientific name, Bucida buceras. Despite the common name, it is not related to the true olive, Olea europaea, and it does not produce the familiar edible olives. The species belongs to the Combretaceae family and is native to the Caribbean, Central America and nearby parts of the tropical Americas.

One of the first things to notice is the tree’s distinctive branching pattern. The branches often spread horizontally in irregular layers, with many slender twigs creating a fine-textured, somewhat windswept crown. Older trees can develop a wide canopy and make excellent shade trees.

The leaves are small, leathery and dark green. They tend to grow in clusters near the ends of the twigs, which gives the canopy a delicate appearance even though the tree itself may become quite large.

The flowers are tiny and are produced along narrow spikes. They are not especially showy, but they are visited by insects and are followed by small, dark, one-seeded fruits. These fruits may resemble miniature black olives, which probably helped inspire the common name, but they are not cultivated as food.

Another interesting feature is the occasional formation of swollen, twisted growths along the twigs. These are galls caused by insects. On some trees, they become dark, horn-shaped structures, giving rise to another common name, Oxhorn Bucida.

The bark becomes deeply furrowed and rugged with age, adding to the character of mature specimens. The tree also tolerates heat, wind, salt and periods of drought, which makes it well adapted to Caribbean landscapes.

Black Olive has been widely planted along streets, in parks and around large buildings because of its broad shade and resistance to coastal conditions. However, fallen fruits and plant material can contain tannins that may leave dark stains on pavement, vehicles or anything placed beneath the canopy.

This is a tree whose beauty is found less in spectacular flowers than in its overall form—the spreading branches, finely textured foliage and deeply patterned bark. It is a familiar and valuable part of many Caribbean landscapes.