Olea capensis subsp. macrocarpa is an evergreen subspecies of tree of the Oleaceae family indigenous to Southern Africa. Trees grow to to 35 m tall with the crown spreading where it emerges from the forest canopy and can reach a lifespan of 2000 to 3000 years. Fragrant flowers are bourne in summer, from November to January, and fruit may be seen at any time of the year. It makes for a rewarding subject for use in the art of Bonsai. Ironwoods have the heaviest known timber, with a recorded specific gravity of 1.49. In other words, the timber of these trees sinks like a stone when put into water. Its weight and hardness have limited its popularity, however it has been used for antique ploughs, harrows, sleepers, piles, flooring and veneers.