Black Ironwood

Krugiodendron ferruem (Vahl) Urb.

kroog-ee-oh-DEN-dron FAIR-ee-um

Rhamnaceae

Explanation of name:  Generic name presumably for Leopold Krug (1833-1898),  Patron of Botany, Zoologist, and Plant Collector, mainly in Puerto Rico.  Dendron means tree.  Ferreum means iron.

Natural range:  Florida and Caribbean, a hammock species

Recognition:  Mid-sized, tough tree with a mix of alternate, subopposite, and alternate shiny elliptic leaves. 

Landscape uses: mid-sized, slow-growing tree.  Tolerates urban conditions, heat, and wind. Flowers small.  Pea-sized fruits attractive to birds. Propagate by seeds.