Description
Origin
The Bucida buceras ‘Shady Lady’, also known as the black olive, originates from tropical regions of the Americas. This tree is particularly found in countries such as Mexico, the Caribbean, Florida, and Brazil. Due to its aesthetic appeal and ability to withstand intense heat and drought, the ‘Shady Lady’ is popular among gardeners and landscape architects worldwide.
Characteristics
As an evergreen tree, the Bucida buceras ‘Shady Lady’ retains its leaves throughout the year. The characteristics include small shiny oval leaves that grow very close to each other, creating a dense and shaded leaf canopy. This tree can reach a height of 40 feet, with a width ranging from 20 to 30 feet. The ‘Shady Lady’ flowers are extremely subtle and almost invisible, with fruits resembling small black olives.
Care
As the ‘Shady Lady’ is naturally a tropical tree, it thrives best in full sun and well-drained soil. Although it is drought resistant, it requires regular watering for optimal growth. Additionally, the tree should be pruned every few years to maintain its shape and promote growth. It is important to note that while the tree can withstand some level of frost, it does not endure prolonged cold temperatures well.
