Leopard tree - Caesalpinia ferrea

Description and Uses

Caesalpinia ferrea (Leopard tree) is a tropical tree from Patagonia. It is mainly grown for its timber crops (very long shelflife), but also Other uses include; apiculture, fuel, ornamental and timber can be produced. The crop is harvested by total removing. It starts flowering after 6 - 9 years. There are no edible parts. Medical uses include; Array The fruit contains methyl gallate (_? - _?). The tree`s wood is called Leopard wood and has a density of 860 - 870 kg/m³. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is medium, its energetic value is 4100 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is fast; for firewood production it is not ideal. After 35 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Caesalpinia ferrea has a lifespan of 60 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 19 meters tall. It is medium growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Caesalpinia ferrea has a deep root-system and forms symbiotic relations it has symbiotic associations with the Glomus intraradices fungus. (endo-mycorrhiza). It is able to fix nitrogen with Bacillaceae bacteria. The tree`s flower-morphology is dioecious and is pollinated by bees. Caesalpinia ferrea is evergreen and a bit allelopathic and has no thorns.

Caesalpinia ferrea thrives in an altitude of 500 to 2000 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is -2°C and optimally between 16 - 25°C. The optimal rainfall is 1550 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 550 - 2000 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 6.0 - 8.0 in a soil texture of sand. To salt it is a bit tolerant to wind a bit tolerant and to fire a bit tolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

has no pests and to Phellinus noxius-root rot as disease diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 8 months. There are approximative 11000 seeds/kg. The seeds can be propagated as followed: (1) Store harvested seeds dry at room temperature, (3) Remove the seeds from cold to a permanent warm temperature., (3) Seeds germinate above ground (epigeous)

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