Guaiacum officinale
COMMON NAME | Lignum-vitae Tree |
TYPE | Tree |
FAMILY | Zygophyllaceae |
NOTES | This small tree is
very slow growing, reaching about 33 ft in height. The blue flowers have five petals that
yield a bright-yellow-orange fruit with red flesh and black seeds. An
extremely valuable timber is obtained from the tree. The name lignum-vitae
(wood of life) originated from the supposition that the material was
possessed of extraordinary remedial powers. |
GEOGRAPHIC REGION | Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico,
Barbados, Virgin Islands and Colombia. |
NATIVE HABITAT | Lowland dry forest,
woodland and thicket, frequently growing in coastland areas. |
WEB SOURCES |
