Libidibia ferrea

Leopard Tree

Libidibia ferrea or the leopard tree, formerly known as Caesalpinia ferrea, is a slender tree hailing from subtropical Brazil. This tree has lots of character as it stands with its delicate leaves and pale, upright trunk complete with interesting bark patterns.

Adding a Leopard Tree to your garden

The leopard tree has a stature that is governed by the climate which should be noted if you are planning to have one in your garden. If you plant this tree in the same humid and hot subtropical conditions of it’s origin, it will become a very high tree (15m) with an aggressive root system more suitable for a large garden. Keep this in mind if you live in Durban or the Lowveld of South Africa.

If planted in dry summer and temperate climates with cold and light frost, it grows into a small, upright tree with a delicate crown of many narrow branches and small, compound leaves casting light shade. The light shade is great as it means you can grow grass and other semi-shade loving plants underneath the tree. If you live in Johannesburg or Cape Town this tree will do well in your small garden.

Watching the growth cycle of this deciduous tree is interesting. New leaf growth is rust-brown and tiny, golden yellow bell-shaped flowers appear in spring followed by dark seed pods. The smooth bark exfoliates easily and in irregularly patterns. As a result, this leaves large dark brown patches against an ivory background – hence the name leopard tree.

The only action required is to prune it early to develop a strong leader trunk. If in doubt, plant it in a very large container to inhibit its root system—it grows well in pots.

To note: due to its root structure, the leopard tree should rather not be planted close to structures, underground cables, drains and water pipes.

READ MORE: If you are looking for small trees for small spaces, take a look at this article.

When do they Bloom?

Tiny, golden yellow, bell-shaped flowers appear in spring, followed by dark seed pods.

Most Suitable Climate

Moderate and subtropical regions are its favourite. It is frost-sensitive and doesn’t like windy conditions.

What they Need

Location: plant it full sun or light shade. A few planted together make a pretty mini-forest in an expansive lawn or with ground covers planted between them.
Soil: well-drained sandy soil.
Water: regular watering for saplings, less water for mature trees. Medium water consumption.
Fertiliser: Use compost and mulch especially until your tree is established.

Leopard Tree In a Nutshell

• Slender deciduous tree providing light summer shade.
• Attractive, colourful trunk.
• Lovely in a mini-forest.
• Ideal tree for a tropical-style garden.
• Do not plant close to structures.

READ MORE: Learn about fruit trees and cross-pollination in this article.