Family: Zygophyllaceae

Lignum-vitae is a small to medium tree with golden-tinged foliage and small but pretty lavender flowers. The fruit is golden-yellow, heart-shaped, and contains a tiny seed that should be scarified before sowing. It is highly prized in woodworking because of its dense, self-lubricating, and durable hardwood. “Lignum vitae” means “wood of life,” and the plant’s resin was used to treat everything from a cough to arthritis. It is a slow-growing tree native to the Caribbean and the northern coast of South America.

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Ornamental
• Specimen
• Woodworking

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers