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Guaiacum sanctum, commonly known as Lignum Vitae, is a slow-growing evergreen tree typically reaching 15-40 feet (5-10 m) tall.
Growth Form
Short, sturdy trunk
Dense, rounded crown
Thick branching structure
Very slow growth rate
Bark
Gray to dark brown
Rough and furrowed with age
Thick and durable
Leaves
Opposite and compound
6-10 pairs of small oval leaflets
Glossy dark green
Thick and leathery
Smooth margins
Flowers
Bright blue to violet
Five petals
Bloom seasonally
The blue flowers are striking against the dark green foliage.
Fruit
Bright orange to yellow capsule
Splits open when mature
Reveals glossy red seeds with black tips
The colorful fruit contrasts sharply with the leaves.
Habitat
Guaiacum sanctum grows in limestone based Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formations (coppice) in both coastal and interior habitats.
Distribution
Guaiacum sanctum occurs on all island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago as well as south Florida, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Ecological Importance
Flowers support pollinators
Fruits eaten by wildlife
Cultural Notes
Guaiacum sanctum has many medicinal, cultural, and economic uses.
Sap and other plant derivatives has been used to treat syphilis, fevers, general pain, gout, arthritis, rheumatism, tonsillitis, skin ailments, constipation, fish poisoning and as a component of strengthening teas.
Boiling leaves produces a tea that has been used as an abortefactant.
Guaiacum sanctum wood is extremely dense and hard and has been used to produce ball bearings, bowling balls, and fish bats. Today it is a sought after wood for wood-carvings.
It is also the National Tree of the Bahamas and has protected status. It is also now used in the horticultural trade because of its beautiful flowers although it is very slow growing.