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
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.
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 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,