Leopard tree (Libidibia ferrea)
Leopard tree (Libidibia ferrea) is a medium sized tree native to Brazil and hails from the family of legumes , Fabaceae.
It has a slender trunk and flat topped crown. The feathery foliage of bipinnate leaves has tiny leaflets, providing light shade in summer. The tree also offers panicle spikes of sunny yellow flowers, at the stem tips. The yellow petals of flowers are dotted with red spots. The fruit is an oblong woody bean.
The tree’s best feature, though, is its smooth, mottled trunk, and ivory bark with brown or gray patches. It peels as the tree matures, increasing the effect. This mottled bark is the basis for the common name, the leopard tree.
The wood of this tree is quite hard and strong and hence it is also known by the name ironwood.
Picture credits: NParks
Reference
Plants of Singapore
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