Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 381 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000710677
Common Names
- Guaiacum officinale
- Official Guaiacum
- Official Lignum-Vitae
Description
Guaiacum officinale (also called common lignum-vitae, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant native to the Caribbean and Central America. It has a shrubby or tree-like habit and leathery leaves that are oblong or elliptic in shape. It grows in dry and rocky areas.
Uses & Benefits
Guaiacum officinale is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge plant.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Flower: Guaiacum officinale has small, yellow flowers. Seed: The seeds are small, black and round. Seedlings: The seedlings are small and have a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Guaiacum officinale is a slow-growing, drought-tolerant evergreen that can be propagated from seed or cuttings. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun, and can be grown in containers or in the ground. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Where to Find Guaiacum officinale
Guaiacum officinale can be found in the tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Guaiacum officinale FAQ
What is the scientific name of Guaiacum officinale?
Guaiacum officinale
What is the common name of Guaiacum officinale?
Lignum-vitae
What is the natural habitat of Guaiacum officinale?
Dry, open forests and scrublands
Species in the Guaiacum genus
Species in the Zygophyllaceae family
Balanites aegyptiaca,
Balanites angolensis,
Balanites glabra,
Balanites maughamii,
Balanites pedicellaris,
Balanites rotundifolia,
Balanites roxburghii,
Balanites triflora,
Balanites wilsoniana,
Balanites aegyptiacus,
Balanites wilsonianus,
Bulnesia chilensis,
Bulnesia foliosa,
Bulnesia retamo,
Bulnesia rivas-martinezii,
Bulnesia schichendanzii,
Bulnesia schickendantzii,
Guaiacum coulteri,
Guaiacum officinale,
Guaiacum palmeri,
Guaiacum sanctum,
Guaiacum unijugum,
Guaiacum nellii,
Kallstroemia pubescens,
Kallstroemia maxima,
Kallstroemia californica,
Kallstroemia grandiflora,
Kallstroemia hirsutissima,
Kallstroemia parviflora,
Kallstroemia perennans,
Kallstroemia adscendens,
Kallstroemia tucumanensis,
Kallstroemia tribuloides,
Kallstroemia incana,
Kallstroemia rosei,
Kallstroemia boliviana,
Kallstroemia pennellii,
Kallstroemia peninsularis,
Kallstroemia standleyi,
Kallstroemia mexicana,
Kallstroemia curta,
Kallstroemia hintonii,
Kelleronia gillettiae,
Kelleronia splendens,
Kelleronia revoilii,
Larrea simulans,
Larrea ameghinoi,
Larrea divaricata,
Larrea cuneifolia,
Larrea nitida,