Lignum Vitae

Guaiacum officinale

Biological Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Spermatophyta
Sub-Division: Angiospermae
Class: Dicotyledonae
Sub-Class: Polypetalae
Series: Disciflorae
Order: Geraniales
Family: Zygophyllaceae
Sub-Family: --
Genus: Guaiacum
Species: officinale

Advantages

  • Guaiac wood is used in foods and in edible oils and fats.
  • A resin is obtained which is called Guaiac resin, that is used in tests for finding hidden blood in urine and stool.

Interesting Facts

The Tree is considered as "Endangered" according to IUCN Red List.

Description

  • The leaves are compound with oppositely arranged leaflets.
  • The flowering season is from March to October.
  • Guaiacum officinale L.