Latin for “wood of life,” lignum vitae is a heartwood obtained chiefly from small, slow-growing trees of the genus Guaiacum found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Americas. Its name derives from its perceived medicinal uses in the treatment of colds, syphillus, arthritis and gout. In an engraving by Johannes Stradanus circa 1580 entitled “Preparation and Use of Guayaco for Treating Syphilis,” a man can be seen on the bottom right cutting a section of the tree (figure 1). Lignum vitae can also be referred to as palo santo (holy wood) and greenheart, and is considered an ironwood, prized for its strength and density. The wood of the tree is also rich with fats and resin, making it nearly waterproof and ideal for use in the applied arts as it is self-lubricating. Interestingly, magical qualities are attributed to the wood and the wizard Merlin’s staff is said to have been of lignum vitae.
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