Lignum Vitae
Guaiacum sanctum
Lignum Vitae
Urban Forest Tree Walk
Scientific Name
Guaiacum sanctum
Location
Baker Park
Lignum vitae is an extremely slow-growing broadleaf evergreen which ultimately reaches 30 feet in height and casts light shade, but few people have seen plants of this size because it is not grown in the trade.
Most are seen 8 to 12 feet tall with a beautiful array of multiple trunks and a rounded canopy much like that of a mature crape-myrtle. The one to two-inch-long, leathery, dark green leaves are joined at many times throughout the year by the production of large clusters of bluish purple flowers, the old flowers fading to a light silvery-blue and creating a shimmering haze over the rounded canopy. These flowers are followed by small, heart-shaped, yellow orange berries, appearing on the tree at the same time as the bluish purple flowers and creating a lovely sight.
Fast Facts
Heavy Duty
Underneath the bark is some of the heaviest of all wood, sinking under its weight instead of floating in water.
Hometown
The trees are indigenous to the Caribbean and the northern coast of South America.
Strike!
This dense wood was once used to make bowling balls and has been used for propeller shafts on steamships.