Guaiacum (Guaiacum officinale, Sp. Pl.: 381 (1753))

Family: Zygophyllaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 381 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Guaiacum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Florida, Panama to Venezuela and Peru, Caribbean

Description

Guaiacum, scientifically known as Guaiacum officinale, is a species steeped in historical and botanical significance. Known for its resilient and dense wood, this evergreen tree has become an emblem of endurance and medicinal virtue. It belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family, a diverse group renowned for its hardy species.

Native to a variety of warm locales, Guaiacum officinale thrives in regions ranging from Florida and the Caribbean to broader tropical zones including Panama, Venezuela, and Peru. This geographical distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability and its preference for the subtropical to tropical climates.

Often reaching up to 9 meters (30 feet) in height, the Guaiacum tree is distinguished by its vibrant, dense foliage and small, beautiful blue flowers that add a splash of color to its surroundings. The flowers eventually give way to star-shaped fruits, which encase the seeds for propagation.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Guaiacum officinale is its wood, which is famously known as lignum vitae, or “wood of life”. Renowned for its incredible hardness and density, lignum vitae has been historically invaluable for various applications, including shipbuilding and crafting durable goods. Its wood contains resin, historically used for its therapeutic properties, contributing to its fame in traditional medicine.

Guaiacum officinale’s medicinal applications date back centuries. Indigenous peoples and early European settlers recognized its potential to treat ailments such as syphilis, gout, and rheumatism due to its anti-inflammatory and purgative properties. The tree’s resin, in particular, was a prized component in these traditional remedies.

Despite its hardy nature, the Guaiacum tree faces challenges due to overharvesting and habitat loss, leading to its classification as a species vulnerable to extinction. Conservation efforts are vital to protect this valuable component of tropical biodiversity and to ensure that future generations can benefit from its unique properties.

In conclusion, Guaiacum officinale is much more than a tropical hardwood; it represents a rich history of medicinal use and industrial utility. Its resilience in diverse climates and contribution to traditional medicine make it a noteworthy species in the plant kingdom. Recognizing the importance of conservation can help preserve this tree, allowing it to continue thriving and offering its benefits to the world.

Common Names

Deu: guajakbaum, pockholz
Eng: lignum vitae, guaiacum, lignum-vitae, common lignum vitae, commoner lignum vitae, guaiac tree, tree of life
Fra: bois de vie, gaïac officinal
Spa: guayacán negro, palo santo, guayacán, palo de vida
Swe: pockenholts
Tha: kaeo chaochom
En: Guaiacum, Lignum-vitae, Guayacan, Lignum vitae, Commoner Lignum Vitae, Guaiac Tree, Brazil Wood, Guaiacum Resin, Guaiacum Wood, Gum Guaiacum, Pockwood, Tree of Life, Vera, Wood of life, Common Lignum Vitae, Common Lignumvitae, Guaiac Wood, Holly wood, Tree-of-life
Ar: جياك طبي
Ca: Guaiac
Cs: Guajak léčivý
Da: Pokkenholt
Et: Harilik guajakipuu
Fi: Rohtoguajakkipuu
Fr: Bois de vie, Gaïac officinal, Bois de Gaïac, Bois de saint, Gayac, Gaïac, Resin de Gaïac, Resina de Gayaco
De: Guajakbaum, Pockholz, Gaujakbaum, Franzosenholz, Guajacum, Guajakharz, Guajakholz, Heiligegnholz, Resina de Lenha Santo, Resina di Guaiaco, Schlangenholz
Ht: Gayak
It: Guaiaco, Legno santo
Ko: 유창목
Fa: جوآیاکوم آفیشینال
Pl: Gwajakowiec lekarski
Pt: Lenha di Guaiaco
Ru: Гваяковое дерево
Es: Guayacán negro, Palo santo, Guayaco, Guayacán, Gvajak, Palo De Vida, Guajacum, Leno de Guayaco, Palosanto, Pau Santo
Sv: Pockenholts
Th: แก้วเจ้าจอม, Kaeo chaochom

Synonyms

• Guaiacum bijugum (Stokes)
• Guaiacum breynii (Spreng.)

Distribution

• Aruba (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Florida (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Ascension (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Dec 2, 2021 by MOHAMED M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Feya Sterling (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2013 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2022 by Faf La Rage (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2021 by vifarmer (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Dec 10, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Feya Sterling (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marcel ETIENNE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2013 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2013 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 2, 2019 by Joel Damay (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2013 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 2, 2021 by MOHAMED M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2018 by Helenne Kesenne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2019 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Setrak Khrimian (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2020 by anna gaume (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Pascal MARNOTTE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2022 by Julie Schools (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2013 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 10, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2013 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2013 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2013 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3986813)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:873252-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Guaiacum officinale L.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Crown

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth rate>: Slow

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 6.0