Krugiodendron ferreum, commonly known as the black ironwood or leadwood, is a species of tree in the family Rhamnaceae. It is native to southern Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America from Guatemala to Costa Rica, Colombia, and Venezuela. Originally described by Martin Vahl, its specific epithet is the Latin adjective ferreus ("iron-like").
Taxonomy It is the only species in the genus Krugiodendron. The genus name honors Leopold Krug (1833–1898). The common names for this species refer to its dense wood.
Description Typical air-dry samples have densities of approximately 1.30 g/cm3, and up to 1.42 g/cm3.Record, S. Tropical Woods, Vol. 8. 1926 () The tree reaches 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.
It is widely cultivated in gardens or parks as a drought-tolerant specimen tree.
References
External links Image of bark Foliage Wood Fruit and flowers