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Tree of Life

Guaiacum officinale

Photo by tibiprada
Published on Project Noah
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25.0865, -80.4473

Field Notes

Description:

Lignum vitae or "long life" in Latin.
The tree of life is slow growing and generally grows to about 25 feet. Its main distinctive feature is the blue / purple flowers at the tips which bloom twice a year. The tree also bears a red-orange fruit which is about 1 inch in diameter, the fruit ripens in September exposing black seeds and a red fleshy pulp.

Habitat:

is native to the Caribbean and the northern coast of South America.

Notes:

Sp: Guayacan, Palo santo ( madera)

Reference Links:

Guaiacum officinale, Guaiacum sanctum

Species ID Suggestions

Guaiacum sanctum
showercurtainrod
2

Comments (6)
tibiprada
Chief RedEarth; the "tree of life" because of its many uses. Its wood, once commercially used in construction because of its density, was so exploited that it is now a protected species. The bark of the tree was used in times past for medicinal purposes. Its sap was also attributed with the power to relieve arthritis. Its extremely high resin content makes it self-lubricating.
OnengDyah
Cool..this is fist time I see it., It is good to eat..?
tibiprada
AntónioGinjaGinja, Thanks , agree ... cousin to the genealogy tree ? :-)

Spotted for Missions

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Trees of the World
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Go.. Go.. Native - Florida
Photographed
PublishedMay 2, 2012

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