The name lignum vitae (癒瘡木) means “heals wounds.” It is also known as the tree of life (Lignum vitae). According to one story, people learned of its healing properties after seeing wild animals rub their wounds against the tree. It was used as a medicinal ingredient in folk remedies.
The Slow-Growing Tree of the Caribbean
This tree in the family Zygophyllaceae is native to the Caribbean and the northern coast of South America. It grows extremely slowly: even when it reaches 10–15 meters in height, its trunk is only about 60 centimeters in diameter. Its flowers, with five blue petals, are Jamaica’s national flower.
Harder Than Iron
Its wood is exceptionally hard and heavy, and was used for pulleys, bowling balls and ship bearings. Its high oil content makes it difficult to process, but that same oil allows it to withstand prolonged exposure to water. Extensive logging has made it a rare species today.
When first processed, it is close to yellow in color, but after being left in natural light for several days, it gradually develops a green hue.
A Prayer Carved in Wood
Source: Woodway Wood Department Store, Wood Study “Lignum Vitae” (November 2021).
