130 



it is known as ^alo negro or black wood , and is reputed as 

 incorruptible, being extensively used as building timber for 

 posts, beams and the like. 



2he itusty Llieonia 

 LliQOnia rubiginosa D^- ., Prodr. Z: 183. 1828, 



Description of the tree 



A shrub or small tree up to 6 n. high, the trunk 20 to 

 25 cm. in diameter, straight or crooked, covered with a 

 grayish, or reddish bark, the crown irregular, the ^om^ 

 growth, petioles, raohis of the jjaii^icies and lower face of 

 the leaves deadely rubiginous tomentcse. Leaves coriaceous, 

 the petiolOE 3 to 10 min. long, the blades ovate, rounded at 

 the base, briefly acuiainate, entire, 6 to 10 era. long, 3 to 

 6 cm. broad, dark green (turning to black by dessicaticn) 

 and lustrous above, rusty colored beneath, 5-co3tate, the 

 2 exterior nerves inconspicuous and close to the margins. 

 Inflorescence panniculate, terminal, ;nany-f lowered, 5 to 

 20 ca. long, i-'lov/ers i^/entamerous; uedicels 1 to 4 ;ara. long; 

 calyx sublcliate, 2 to 3 mm. long, slightly hairy; ^etals 2 

 ram. long, rounded at the apex, white; stamens 10; ovary 

 subglobose; style 4 mm. long. Berry blackish, 3 to 4 mm.~; 

 in diameter. 



Kesori^jtion of the wood 



Sapwood thin, nearly .vhite; heartwood light brown. Jood 

 hard, moderately heavy, very tough, close-grained, suscep- 

 tible to good polish, and very durable in contact v/ith the 

 soil. Annual rings of growth not visible even under the 

 high power microscope. 



I Pores •H^an5v«*^^-aActi<Ma) numerous, small ( »08 mm.), 



i 



