Caesalpinia ferrea

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Photographs by: Dr. Maulik Gadani

Botanical Name : Caesalpinia ferrea C. Mart.
Synonyms : Caesalpinia ferrea var. cearensis Huber
Common Name : Brazilian Ironwood, Leopard Tree
Common Name Details :
The plant derives its common name 'Leopard tree' from the pattern developed by the flaking bark.
Plant Family : Caesalpiniaceae
Plant Form : Tree
Occurrence (Special Areas) : Indroda Park

Habit : A medium-sized, deciduous tree with drooping branches.
Stem : Bark smooth, shades of brownish-grey with peeling revealing inner, off-white or light creamy uneven patches.
Leaves : Bipinnate with 2-4 pairs of pinnae each with 3-4 pairs of leaflets and a terminal pinnule with 2 pairs of leaflets.
Flowers : Small, fragrant yellow with standard petal spotted with red.
Fruit : Pods short, thick.
Flowering and Fruiting Time : August - September
Significance : Ornamental tree with excellent beauty due to feathery, lush green foliage and bark.