Black Olive
Scientific name: Bucida buceras
Overview
Black Olive is a moderately heavy Caribbean hardwood known for its durability and medium-to-dark brown coloration. Native throughout the Caribbean islands and surrounding coastal regions, it is commonly found in tropical coastal environments.
The wood ranges from warm brown to deeper chocolate tones and often displays a somewhat coarse texture. It is heavier and stronger than Gumbo-Limbo but less extreme than Guaiacum species.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Black Olive
- Scientific Name: Bucida buceras
- Region: Caribbean & West Indies Hardwoods (Caribbean, Central America & Northern South America)
- Tree Size: 40–70 ft tall, 1–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 65 lbs/ft³ (1,040 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 3,260 lbf
- Color: Dark brown to nearly black with lighter brown streaks
- Grain: Often interlocked or irregular
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Black Olive heartwood typically presents medium to dark brown coloration, sometimes with subtle darker streaking. The grain may be interlocked or irregular, occasionally producing mild figure. The texture is coarser than Blue Mahoe or Jamaican Dogwood.
Key identification traits include:
- Medium to dark brown color
- Moderate to heavy weight
- Interlocked or irregular grain
- Visible pore structure
- Durable feel
Working Properties
Black Olive is moderately difficult to machine due to its density and interlocked grain.
- Requires sharp tooling
- May tear slightly when planed
- Sands to a smooth surface
- Accepts finish well
- Suitable for structural and utility use
Safety Note
Standard dust precautions recommended. Some hardwood dust may cause mild irritation.
Common Uses
Black Olive common uses including:
- Structural components
- Outdoor or coastal applications
- Tool handles
- Heavy-duty furniture components
- Regional woodworking projects
Sustainability & Notes
Some Bubinga species are subject to CITES Appendix II regulations, meaning trade is monitored to ensure sustainable harvesting. Availability may vary depending on region and legal restrictions.
Buyers should verify sourcing and prioritize responsibly harvested material from reputable suppliers.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Gumbo-Limbo – Much lighter and softer.
Jamaican Dogwood – Slightly lighter and finer texture.
Roughbark Lignum Vitae – Dramatically denser and far heavier.
Related Guides
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Provides context among medium-to-heavy tropical hardwoods.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability
Important for interlocked-grain hardwoods.
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Helps distinguish Black Olive from other brown tropical species.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Black Olive represents the heavier structural side of Caribbean hardwoods without reaching the extreme density of Guaiacum species. Properly documented specimens help round out a full regional collection, particularly when sourced from verified Caribbean origin.
Video Overview
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Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
• Woodworking: The Complete Step-by-Step Manual for learning woodworking techniques, joinery, finishing, and step-by-step projects
https://amzn.to/4v1EYSZ
• Woodworking Apron for Men with 9 Tool Pockets for keeping tools organized and protecting clothing during woodworking, carving, turning, and shop work
https://amzn.to/43SZ9rt
• XFasten Double-Sided Woodworking Tape (3-Pack) for securing templates, workpieces, and patterns during routing, CNC work, edge banding, and other woodworking tasks
https://amzn.to/4xK5yTj
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