Libidibia ferrea, commonly known as Brazilian ironwood or Leopard tree, is a deciduous to semi-deciduous tree native to the Brazilian cerrado and caatinga biomes, as well as other parts of South America. It can reach up to 66 feet (20 meters) in height and is characterized by a dense, rounded canopy and a thick, deeply fissured bark. The tree produces attractive yellow flowers during the spring and summer, which are moderately showy and followed by distinctive seed pods that are often used in decorative crafts. The wood is exceptionally hard and heavy, hence the common name "ironwood".

Brazilian ironwood is valued for its durable timber, shade-providing canopy, and its use in traditional medicine. It is often planted as a street tree in urban areas due to its tolerance to pollution and compacted soils. In cultivation, it requires full sun to partial shade, moderate water, and well-drained soils. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can suffer from chlorosis in highly alkaline soils. The tree’s dense wood makes it resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0