Kingdom Plantae Family Celastraceae Scientific name Cassine laneana | Order Celastrales Genus Cassine Rank Species | |
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Similar Cassine, Bermuda land snail, Juniperus bermudiana, Elaeodendron, Bermuda rock skink | ||
Cassine laneana, commonly known as the Bermuda olivewood, is a species of large tree in the staff vine family, Celastraceae, that is endemic to the islands of Bermuda. Although once found in the extensive subtropical coniferous forests that covered the islands, it is currently restricted to small protected areas, such as Spittal Pond. C. laneana can grow anywhere from 25 to 40 feet (7.6 to 12.2 metres) tall, with leaves that are 1 to 2.5 inches (2.5 to 6.4 centimetres) long and 0.5 to 1.5 inches (1.3 to 3.8 centimetres) wide. The leaves are also a deep green colour when they are older and a bright green colour when they are younger. C. laneana flowers in late spring and early summer and produces a small ovate berry that is an olive colour and 0.25 to 0.5 inches (0.64 to 1.27 centimetres) long.
The Bermuda olivewood did not have very much use in Bermuda's history, although it played a huge part in it. It has huge boughs that are highly woody. The crown is naturally grown into a sphere shape. C. laneana is often used as an ornamental tree, lining the streets of Hamilton and providing shade in the Bermuda Botanical Gardens.