Bucida buceras, Terminalia buceras

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Can reach heights of over 20' tall, stature is strictly dependent upon maintenance and growing conditions. Very drought-tolerant once established. Growth rate is slow to moderate, matte green foliage turns yellow before dropping off in winter. Irregularly shaped branches often can reach quite large diameters. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time.

Plant care for Bucida buceras (Florida Black Olive Tree) includes full sun and moderate water. Generally, it is easy to grow in a variety of soils as long as they are moist and well-drained. However, it does get affected by phytophthora root rot in wet soils, so a drainage hole should be placed in containers or in the ground if the soil tends to become inundated with water. Root rot can also be treated with a fungicide. The plant should be used in warmer climates, preferably in USDA Zone 9-11. It is not tolerant to cold temperatures, surviving no lower than 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are planning to grow Florida Black Olive Trees in a container in a cold region, they will require more maintenance with respect to water and cold weather protection. To protect the root ball from freezing, the container should be placed in a sheltered area, preferably a porch or garage. Additionally, the container should be one that provides good drainage and is large enough to provide the plant enough room for root growth. In order to protect the plant from freezing, wrap it in burlap or other breathable material over the winter and keep it moist to prevent it from drying out. If the soil in the container dries out in the winter, it can become more susceptible to damage from frosts. Finally, move the container with the Florida Black Olive Tree indoors to protect it from prolonged temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Similar plants:

• Bucida spinosa, Bucida molinetti, Terminalia spinosa (Spiny Black Olive, Ming Tree)
• Bucida sp.variegata (Dwarf Geometry Tree)
• Terminalia bentzoe, Terminalia angustifolia (Benjoin)
• Terminalia calamansanai (Philippine Almond, Yellow Terminalia)
• Terminalia catappa (Tropical Almond, Badamier, Java Almond, Indian Almond, Malabar Almond, Singapore Almond, Ketapang, Huu Kwang, Pacific Almond)
• Terminalia foetidissima (Terminalia)
• Terminalia ivorensis (Black Afara)
• Terminalia kaernbachii, Terminalia okari (Okari Nut, Yellow Terminalia)
• Terminalia mantaly (Madagascar Almond, Umbrella Tree)
• Terminalia muelleri (Australian almond, Muellers Terminalia)