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Libidibia ferrea (Mart. ex Tul.) L. P. Queiroz
| Family Name: | Fabaceae (Leguminosae) |
| Synonyms: | Caesalpinia ferrea Mart. ex Tul. |
| Common Name: | Leopard Tree, Brazilian Ironwood |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Medium (16m-30m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 15 m to 20 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 20 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Eastern Brazil |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Flowers | Bright yellow flowers have red spots on the upper petals. |
|---|---|
| Fruit | Woody, elliptic to oblong in shape. |
| Others - Plant Morphology | A medium-sized tree with an umbrella-shaped, relatively flat-topped crown of tiny, feathery compound leaves. Fairly open crown but provides surprisingly dense shade. The highlight of the tree is the trunk - which has smooth, light grey to ivory bark, mottled with brown or dark grey patches, hence the common name of Leopard Tree. The bark peels off in batches with age, adding to the appeal. |
| Cultivation | Propagated from seeds. Seeds must be scarified in order to germinate. Fairly drought resistant when established but still requires regular watering. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Cultural / Religious: Heritage Tree: There are currently 2 individuals of Libidibia ferrea listed as Heritage Tree in Singapore. One can be found in Esplanade Park while the other in Mount Emily Park. To find out more about these trees, please visit the Heritage Tree Register. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Trunk, Fragrant |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Roadside Tree / Palm, Shade Providing Tree / Palm, General |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast to Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Dry Soils / Drought |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Deciduous |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Type | Compound |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.0 (Tree - Intermediate Canopy) |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Trunk Type (Non Palm) | Fluted |
|---|---|
| Mature Bark Texture | Smooth, Peeling / Flaking / Papery |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Inflorescence Type | Raceme |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown |
|---|---|
| Mature Seed Colour(s) | Brown |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1474 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2767 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
