Guaiacum officinale L.
Roughbark lignum-vitae
Very slow growing small tree, to 10 m high leaves compound, leaflets oblong to obovate to lanceolate flowers deep blue to paler shades, some becoming almost white, a striking variegation of colour is produced The flowers grow in clusters at the ends of the branches fruit yellow capsules with red flesh and black seeds
very rare (endangered species by the IUCN in 2019) It has been overexploited for its valuable wood and medicinal products International trade of this species is restricted because of its placement in CITES Appendix II
Soil: prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought The plant can tolerate maritime exposure
Ornamental plant. Guaiacum officinale is one of two species yielding the true lignum vitae, the other being Guaiacum sanctum. Guaiac, a natural resin extracted from the wood, is a colorless compound that turns blue when placed in contact with substances that have peroxidase activity and then are exposed to hydrogen peroxide.
Guaiacum bijugum Stokes, Guaiacum breynii Spreng
.The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and Mazhar Botanic Garden does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
