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 Membership within the Caesalpinia genus is controversial, with different publications including anywhere from 70 to 165 species, depending largely on the inclusion or exclusion of species alternately listed under genera such as Hoffmannseggia. It contains tropical or subtropical woody plants.  Caesalpinia ferrea commonly known as Leopard Tree or Brazilian Ironwood is an awesomely beautiful semi-deciduous tree that grows up to 15m in height when planted in open soil, forming a broad, flat-topped crown. It grows very well in large pots and makes a gorgeous bonsai specimen. The trunk is typically short, branching often close to the base. Although the diameter varies, at its maximum it ranges between 40 and 60 cm. It will not take up much space in the garden because of the high 'slender' trunks, with a lot of space underneath to plant a lot of other plants. The common name ‘leopard tree’ comes from the patch-work appearance of the trunk that results from the peeling bark, resembling the spots of a leopard. The leaves of the leopard tree are bi-pinnately compound (pinnate leaves that are themselves pinnate), 15-19 cm long.  The individual leaflets range between 8 and 24 per pinnae. The flowers are bright yellow, typical of the Caesalpinioideae in form, appearing in terminal or axillary inflorescences. The seeds are dark brown, hard, and held in a flat pod. Caesalpinia ferrea also has some medicinal uses. Traditionally it has been used in Brazil for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, typically using a tea made from the stem. The fruits have also been used traditionally for the treatment of coughs and external injuries due to the species’ believed anti-biotic qualities. Within the scientific literature, Caesalpinia ferrea has been shown to have potential for the treatment of internal ulcers and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Nakamura et al. (2002) screened fruit extracts from the species and found that three compounds extracted showed potent anti-cancer forming properties.
   
  
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