Buttonwood Tree

Buttonwood Tree on Heron’s Reef Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica.
The Buttonwood Tree a mangrove shrub in the family Combretaceae, is also known as Conocarpus Erectus or Button Mangrove. This species grows on shorelines in tropical and subtropical regions around the world and is highly tolerant of dry and salty conditions. The tree is widely-used in the Caribbean as an ornamental plant and in bonsai.
The wood is sometimes used in cabinets; it is difficult to work but takes a smooth finish. It is also used as firewood and is reported to be good for smoking meat and fish, as it burns very hot and slowly; it also makes high quality charcoal. The bark s high in tannin, for which it has been harvested commercially.