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Krugiodendron

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Krugiodendron
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rhamnaceae
Tribe: Rhamneae
Genus: Krugiodendron
Urb.
Species:
K. ferreum
Binomial name
Krugiodendron ferreum
(Vahl) Urb.
Synonyms

Rhamnus ferrea Vahl

Krugiodendron ferreum, commonly known as the black ironwood or leadwood, is a species of tree in the family Rhamnaceae. It is found in southern Florida, throughout the Caribbean and from southern Mexico to Honduras.[2] Originally described by Martin Vahl, its specific epithet is the Latin adjective ferreus ("iron-like").[3]

Taxonomy

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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

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Typical air-dry samples have densities of approximately 1.30 g/cm3, and up to 1.42 g/cm3.[4] 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.[2]

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

References

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  1. ^ Carrero, C. (2020). "Krugiodendron ferreum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T61957086A61957112. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T61957086A61957112.en. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  2. ^ a b Acevedo-Rodríguez, P. (1996-12-17). Flora of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Memoirs of The New York Botanical Garden. Vol. 78. Bronx, New York: The New York Botanical Garden. ISBN 0-89327-402-X.
  3. ^ Simpson, D. P. (1979). Cassell's Latin Dictionary (5 ed.). London: Cassell Ltd. p. 883. ISBN 0-304-52257-0.
  4. ^ Record, S. Tropical Woods, Vol. 8. 1926 (ISSN 0097-6857)
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