Lignumvitae

(botany) Guaiacum sanctum. A medium-sized evergreen tree in the order Sapindales that yields a resin or gum known as gum guaiac or resin of guaiac. Also known as hollywood lignumvitae.

A tree, Guaiacum sanctum, also known as holywood lignumvitae, which is cultivated to some extent in southern California and tropical Florida. Lignumvitae is native in the Florida Keys, Bahamas, West Indies, and Central and South America. It is an evergreen tree of medium size with abruptly pinnate leaves. The tree yields a resin or gum known as gum guaiac or resin of guaiac which is used in medicine. The very heavy black heartwood is used in bowling balls, blocks and pulleys, and parts of instruments. See also Sapindales.