Olive trees, in general, prefer cultivation in Mediterranean climates with low levels of rainfall, due to the fact that most of them originate in the region around the Mediterranean Sea. However, a handful of varieties of olive trees can also be found growing in tropical and subtropical areas all around the planet.
Bucida spinosa
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Bucida spinosa is the scientific name for the small and exotic spiny black olive trees also known as ming trees and dwarf black olive trees. The tropical olive trees are part of the Combretaceae family and originate in the Caribbean region and Florida. The fragile trees are often used as specimen plants or as bonsai subjects. Spiny black olive trees are evergreen and are capable of growing to heights of up to 40 feet. Spiny black olive trees consist of tiny thorns and leaves and grow out unpredictably in many different directions, creating a lacy appearance. The trunk is smooth, and the branches are resistant against winds.
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Olea europaea
The Olea europaea is a multi-stemmed or single evergreen tree that can reach heights of between 20 and 30 feet. The Olea europaea has been in cultivation for thousands of years in the Mediterranean region, and is commonly found in tropical and warm temperate parts of southern Europe, southern Asia, Africa and Australasia. The foliage of the tree is grayish-green in color, with a lighter underside. The tree produces edible olives, which are about 1 1/2 inches wide. The fruit, at the end of the summer, is green in color and then with maturity changes to black. Upon ripening, the fruit drops.
Bucida buceras
The Bucida buceras, which is also known commonly as Gregorywood, is an evergreen tree that is part of the Combretaceae family. The tree exists in many tropical climates, such as Florida. The Bucida buceras is a perennial that is characterized by wind-resistant branches, a smooth trunk and a full and dense crown, which can be either round or oval shaped. The leathery foliage of the tree is a deep bluish-green color. The leaves are usually between 2 and 4 inches in length. The trees thrive when grown within moist, well drained and rich soil, under full sun.