GUAIACUM SANCTUM
Lignum Vitae

Native to the Florida Keys, this small, slow growing tree, can develop some beautiful shapes.
The crooked trunk can take many twists and turns to develop an unusual tree unlike no other in your collection.
It also produces many blue flowers on and off throughout the year, but more during the warmer months of the year.
Take a look at a mature tree and you will see what we mean.
It works very well for pot culture or in the ground in warm climates.

People that are used to fast growing plants and strong root systems may be disappointed at the beginning when growing this tree, but it is just its nature.
It grows very slow, has a weak root system and soft branches when young. Staking the plant will help it grow straight when young.
An older Guaiacum sanctum is a very beautiful and special tree. On top of a beautiful canopy and blue flowers it is said to have a very hard wood. It is the tree with 2nd heaviest wood in the world.
The wood is so heavy that it sinks in the water. You cannot drive a nail through it.
It was used to make bearings for submarines during WW2. It is still used to make bowling balls.

They grow in full sun, and take average water.
Use a slow release fertilizer and avoid temperatures near freezing.
Birds like the fruits it produces.

 

FAMILY: Zygophyllaceae
ORIGIN: Florida, Caribbean
AVERAGE SIZE: 15'
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS : full/partial sun
WATER REQUIREMENTS: keep a little moist
MIN. TEMP.: mid 30°s
FLOWER: throughout the year