Leadwood tree
Afrikaans name: Loodhout

Leadwood tree
Photo © Steven Herbert
Combretum imberbe
The Leadwood tree is found from KwaZulu-Natal to Tanzania. This tree enjoys a protected status in South Africa.
It can reach a height of 20 metres. It is estimated that a Leadwood tree can live for 1000 years.
The wood is used for making fine furniture as well as railway sleepers.
The name of the Leadwood tree refers to the heavy weight of the wood.

Leaves of the Leadwood tree
Photo © Steven Herbert
References and further reading
Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Published: 2002 - Page: 803Sappi Tree Spotting: Lowveld - Author: Jacana - Published: 1997 - Page: 100
The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1994 - Page: 358
Pocket Guide - Trees of Southern Africa - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 2013 - Page: 100
Piet van Wyks Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 1st edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 1988 - Page: 173
Kruger - Portrait of a National Park - Author: David Paynter with Wilf Nussey - Published: 1986 - Page: 28
Game Ranger in your Backpack - Author: Megan Emmett and Sean Pattrick - Published: 2013 - Page: 274
Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 5th edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 2008 - Page: 173
A site-by-site guide to trees in the Kruger National Park - Author: Marissa Greeff - Published: 2017 - Page: 168
Everyones Guide to Trees of South Africa - Author: Keith, Paul and Meg Coates Palgrave - Published: 1989 - Page: 82
A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1983 - Page: 262