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Tampa Bay Harvest

Dwarf Black Olive Bonsai Landscape

Dwarf Black Olive

Bucida Spinosa

Dwarf Black olive is a 40 - 50 foot tall evergreen tree with a smooth trunk holding up strong wind resistant branches. The dwarf black olive forms a pyramidal shape when young but develops a very dense, full, oval to rounded crown with age. Sometimes the top of the crown will flatten out with age, and the tree will begin to grow horizontally. Small yellow/beige flowers appear during the growing season. The black olive also produces spiny thorns, be wary.

Botanical Name: Bucida

Family: Combretaceae

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Zone: 10-11

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Background: The Black Olive is in the same family as the buttonwood and mangrove. Bucida is now a protected plant and difficult to collect. Despite its common name the Bucida is not a true "olive". This delicate tree from Florida and the Caribbean grows into a bonsai almost by itself. An unusual bonsai subject due to its salt tolerance, which also makes it a good subject for bonsai enthusiast living by the sea. In nature the Bucida will grow to 10 - 12 feet but many have reached 25 feet. The Bucida buceras can grow to 60- 80 feet.

 

Features: Old trunks are often contorted. The crown of the foliage spreads horizontally thru flat topped branches that grow out in a horizontal zig-zag pattern. This plant is semi deciduous, the leaves turn orange or scarlet before they drop, producing a new set within a week or two. New growth can begin as it sheds the old leaves so you may not notice this normal defoliation process. This leaf dropping can also occur during the summer, (several times are possible). The Dwarf Black Olive develops small, yellow/beige flowers which have a slight aroma. Produces a small black seed capsule. The Dwarf Black Olive also produces small thorns. The Black Olive tree is sutable as an indoor bonsai if provided lots of natural light.

Soil Requirements : Quick draining, prefers a lot of organic matter, however the Black Olive will tolerate soiless mixes if kept fertilized and watered regularly.

Fertilization/ p.H: This tree also likes frequent fertilization, which promotes vigorous growth. Fertilizing is also necessary for your tree to remain healty and beautiful. Since your bonsai will be growing in a small container and a small amount of soil, it is necessary to replenish the soils supply of nutrients periodically. A balanced fertilizer 10-10-10 should be applied monthly except during the winter. Add a boost of nitrogen during the growing season.p.H. 6.5 * 7.5. Check this often with a soil testing meter.

Styles / Pruning / Training: New shoots need to be shortened only by a little. It is best to pinch them back. In nature the bucida spinosa is generally windswept, which makes this an excellent choice for bonsai style. This plants growth changes direction at every internode, making a bend of 25 to 35 degrees, which can be incorporated into the styling.Trimming and pinching will keep your tree miniature. Pinch and trim back the new growth, never should all of the new growth be removed. A little should be left to sustain the health of the tree. Since different trees grow at different rates it is necessary to evaluate each trees rate of growth and adjust your trimming and pinching to accomodate it.

Black Olive Bonsai Tree

Light / Water requirements: The watering of your bonsai must never be neglected. The dwarf black olive likes to be well watered and should not be permitted to stay dry. Apply water when the soil appears dry - never allow the soil to completely dry out. If your bonsai is receiving full sun, it may be necessary to water once a day. This schedule may vary with the size of the pot and the type of soil. Evaluate the trees watering needs and adjust your schedule to accomodate it. It is a good idea to use a water meter until you get to know the requirements of the tree. Water softly, and in a manner as not to disturb or wash away your soil.

Propagation: Seeds or cuttings and air-layerings when the night temperatures are above 70 degrees F.

Repotting Special Instructions: Repotting must be performed periodically on all bonsai when their root systems have filled the pot. The reason for repotting is to supply your tree with fresh soil and to encourage a more compact root system. As a rule, most trees require repotting every 2 - 3 years. You should examine your trees root system periodically to determine if it is becoming root bound. Repotting should be done on your tree in mid-summer.

Insects and Diseases: No pests or diseases are of major concern but the black olive is occasionally bothered by sooty mold and bark borer. Eryphide mites cause galls but no control is needed.

Temperature Requirements: The dwarf black olive is a sun lover, full sun is its natural environment even in the hottest areas of Florida and the Caribbean. Do not expose this tree to freezing weather, or even temperatures below 40 degrees.

 

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