Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Zygophyllales
Genus:
Species:
sanctum
ID:
711350

Status:
valid

Authors:
L.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1753

Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 382 (1753)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000710683

Common Names

  • Guaiacum sanctum
  • Holy Guaiacum
  • Holy Lignum-Vitae

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Synonyms

  • Guaiacum guatemalense Planch., Rydb. & Vail [unknown]
  • Guaiacum multijugum Stokes [unknown]
  • Guaiacum parvifolium Nutt. [unknown]
  • Guaiacum sloanei Shuttlew. ex A.Gray [unknown]
  • Guaiacum verticale Ortega [unknown]

Description

Guaiacum sanctum (also called holywood 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 sanctum is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge plant.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flowers of Guaiacum sanctum are white to yellow and have five petals. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are small and green.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Guaiacum sanctum 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 sanctum

Guaiacum sanctum is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

Guaiacum sanctum FAQ

What is the scientific name of Guaiacum sanctum?

Guaiacum sanctum

What is the common name of Guaiacum sanctum?

Holywood Lignum-vitae

What is the natural habitat of Guaiacum sanctum?

Dry, open forests and scrublands

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,

References