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The genus Guaiacum is represented by 5 species in the
Western Hemisphere tropics and subtropics. Each species seems to have its
own geographical distribution, with little overlap.
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This stuff is HEAVY - an average of 80 pounds per cubic
foot.
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The specific gravity of Lignumvitae is 1.10. Water is 1.0
. This means it SINKS. It's also called IRONWOOD for this reason.
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LignumVitae is sold by the pound
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World War II Liberty Ships used it for propeller shaft
bearings (very hard wood with lots of natural oils)
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30% of the weight is the resin which is called Guaiac Gum
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Sawdust from Lignumvitae mills was sold to drug houses
which extracted the gum to be used medicinally
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Old medical books recommended its gum for treatment of
Gout, Tonsillitis, Neuralgia, and Syphilis
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Early explorers found the Indians of the West Indies
using Lignumvitae for medicine
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LignumVitae is impervious to acid and alkali, and will
not contaminate food
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Lignumvitae burns with a B.T.U. content equal to coal.
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Ash from burned LignumVitae was used for fertilizer due
to its Potash content
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Resins were used in fats and lards to retard rancidity.
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Lignumvitae cannot be glued because of the gum content
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The name Lignumvitae means "Wood of Life", or
"Tree of Life".
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From the description of the tree, it is possible that it
represents the mythical tree in the biblical garden of Eden.
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Old texts suggest that this wood gave strength to the
original temple, and was the wood used to fashion the holy grail.
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The wood is described as being not only non-flammable,
but purified by fire.
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Aside from medicine, the earliest use of the wood was in
the manufacture of ship's blocks (pulleys), because of the hardness and high
oil content for lubrication - same as the shaft bearings.
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LignumVitae wood fibers are so interlaced that it very
seldom splits
