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.[1] Originally described by Martin Vahl, its specific epithet is the Latin adjective ferreus ("iron-like").[2]
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.
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]