Krugiodendron ferreum

Krugiodendron ferreum, commonly known as the black ironwood or leadwood, is a species of tree in the buckthorn family, Rhamnaceae. It is found in southern Florida, throughout the Caribbean and from southern Mexico to Honduras.^[1] Originally described by Martin Vahl, its specific epithet is the Latin adjective ferreus ("iron-like").^[2]

The genus Krugiodendron contains two species, the other being Krugiodendron acuminatum. Its name honors Leopold Krug (1833-1898). The common names for this species refer to its dense wood. Typical air-dry samples have densities of approximately 1.30 g/cm³, and up to 1.42 g/cm³.^[3] The tree reaches 5–10 metres (16–33 ft) in height with oppositely arranged, emarginate leaves and small greenish flowers. The fruit is a drupe 5 to 7 mm long turning purplish red as it matures.^[1]

It is widely cultivated in gardens or parks as a drought-tolerant specimen tree.

External links

• Image of bark
• Foliage
• Wood
• Fruit and flowers

References