Leadwood (Combretum imberbe)

“Leadwood, derived from the tree species Combretum imberbe native to southern Africa, is known for its exceptionally dense and heavy wood. The wood ranges in color from reddish-brown to dark brown, with a pale yellow sapwood, and its heartwood can darken over time, sometimes taking on a reddish hue. Renowned for its density, with a specific gravity of 1.21—where anything above 1.0 sinks in water—leadwood also stands out for its unusually high calcium content, further adding to its distinctive qualities.”