Spiny Black Olive STD 25G

Spiny Black Olive Tree (Standard Form) in 25-Gallon Pot available in Jupiter, FL

Sculptural and sophisticated, the Spiny Black Olive Tree (Bucida molinetii, also known as Bucida spinosa) is a South Florida favorite for clean lines, soft green foliage, and a distinctive tiered canopy. Its delicate leaves create dappled light, while its refined form makes it a go-to for modern tropical design. Despite its name, it produces neither olives nor spines—it’s actually a misleading moniker for one of the most elegant ornamental trees in the subtropics.

This 25-gallon standard form tree is landscape-ready and perfect for framing driveways, walkways, or adding vertical structure to patios and gardens.

Care & Growing Info (Optimized for South Florida):

• Sunlight: Full sun is best—needs 6–8+ hours of light for strong branching and lush foliage.

• Watering: Moderate. Water regularly during establishment. Drought-tolerant once mature.

• Soil: Adapts to a wide range—prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline sandy or loamy soils.

• Fertilizer: Feed 2–3 times per year with a balanced slow-release fertilizer to encourage steady growth and foliage color.

• Growth Habit: Upright with horizontal, architectural branching. In a 25-gallon pot, expect 7–9 feet tall. Can reach 20–30 feet tall and wide in the landscape.

• Temperature: USDA Zones 10–11. Loves South Florida’s heat and humidity; not frost-tolerant.

• Maintenance: Moderate. Prune to enhance tiered structure or raise canopy. Clean and minimal drop makes it driveway-friendly.

Foliage & Bark Notes:
Soft, feathery leaves resemble those of a mimosa or tamarind tree. Bark is gray and lightly textured, adding to the clean, modern aesthetic. Despite the name, there are no spines or edible olives.

Medicinal & Nutritional Benefits:
Not edible and no medicinal uses documented. Grown purely for ornamental value, shade, and landscape architecture.

Ideal For:

• Modern and tropical landscape designs

• Specimen or focal-point plantings

• Poolside, patio, or walkway accents

• Urban gardens seeking tidy, sculptural trees

• Gardeners seeking structure with softness

Plant Classification:

• Scientific Name: Bucida molinetii

• Plant Type: Ornamental tropical tree

• Family: Combretaceae

• Class: Dicot

• Growth Form: Broadleaf evergreen perennial

  • Evergreen: Keeps leaves year-round in South Florida

  • Perennial: Long-lived and low-maintenance

  • Broadleaf: Small, rounded leaves add softness to structured form

• Container Size: 25-gallon pot

Jupiter Farms & Nursery