Krugiodendron ferreum
| Krugiodendron ferreum | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus: | Krugiodendron |
| Species: | K. ferreum |
| Binomial name | |
| Krugiodendron ferreum (Vahl) Urban | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Rhamnus ferreus | |
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
References
- 1 2 Acevedo-Rodríguez, P. (1996-12-17). Flora of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Memoirs of The New York Botanical Garden 78. Bronx, New York: The New York Botanical Garden. ISBN 0-89327-402-X.
- ↑ Simpson, D. P. (1979). Cassell's Latin Dictionary (5 ed.). London: Cassell Ltd. p. 883. ISBN 0-304-52257-0.
- ↑ Record, S. Tropical Woods, Vol. 8. 1926 (ISSN: 0097-6857)