Guaiacum Officinale

Family: Zygophyllaceae (Bean-caper or Caltrop family)
Native Range: Caribbean, northern coast of South America, Central America’s eastern coasts, and southern Florida.

Description:

Guaiacum officinale is a slow-growing, evergreen tree that reaches up to 10 meters tall with a trunk around 60 cm wide. Its small, compound leaves measure about 2.5 to 3 cm long, and the tree blooms beautiful blue flowers with five petals, producing bright yellow-orange fruits with red flesh and black seeds.

The tree is famous for yielding true lignum vitae, one of the heaviest and densest woods in the world, capable of sinking in water. Its exceptional resistance to moisture and insects has helped wood samples survive for over 800 years.

This species is proudly recognized as the national flower of Jamaica, with its flowering season running from March to October.

Cultural Notes:

• Prefers full sun exposure.

• Sensitive to low temperatures.

• Seeds are recalcitrant — difficult to store and germinate.

Traditional & Medicinal Uses:

Guaiacum officinale is one of two trees (alongside Guaiacum sanctum) that produce true lignum vitae. Its natural resin, guaiac, has a unique property: it turns blue when it reacts with peroxidase activity (like the heme in blood). This makes it valuable in medical testing — for example, detecting hidden blood in stool using guaiac cards.

Medicinally, it has been historically valued for:

• Anti-inflammatory properties, relieving sore throats and gout.

• Treating chronic rheumatism, scrofula, and syphilitic conditions.

• Easing symptoms like ear pain, chest stitches, and headaches.

• Notably included by Dr. Mattei in his famous remedy "White Electricity" for its multiple healing qualities.

Conservation Status:

Due to overexploitation for its durable wood and medicinal uses, Guaiacum officinale is now listed as Endangered by the IUCN. International trade is regulated under CITES Appendix II.