About Guaiacum sanctum L.
Guaiacum sanctum L., commonly known as holywood, lignum vitae or holywood lignum-vitae, is a species of flowering plant in the creosote bush family, Zygophyllaceae. It is native to the Neotropical realm, ranging from Mexico through Central America, Florida (United States), the Caribbean, and northern South America. It has been introduced to other tropical regions across the globe. In its native range, it is currently threatened by habitat loss, leading to its classification as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. It is also the national tree of the Bahamas. This tree is one of two species that produce the valuable lignum vitae wood; the other species is Guaiacum officinale. Its wood has historically been used to craft specific ship parts that required self-lubrication to extend their lifespan. The species is recognized as having medicinal value, and is primarily used in home remedies. In 1568, naturalist William Turner recorded that the plant was already cultivated in India, ancient Tamraparni (modern Sri Lanka), Java, and the Tivu islets of the ocean. He also noted that a broth made from the plant cured several severe diseases, including French pox (syphilis). Its bark can be steeped to create tonics, and the tree is also grown as an ornamental plant.
