Lignumvitae.
A very slow growing evergreen flowering tree native to South Florida including the Florida Key islands and the Caribbean. Rarely seen above 12 feet in height in Florida. Good for bonsai, container, specimen tree, planter, small yard area. Grown primarily as an ornamental flowering tree. Usually grows with multiple trunks but can be trained into a single trunk habit. The wood is extremely dense - in fact it does not float - and has been highly prized for fashioning ship parts such as pulleys, gears, bearing blocks and propeller shafts. It has also been used to make such items as mallets and bowling balls. The resin in the wood has long been believed to be medicinal, thus the name Lignum Vitae, or "Wood of Life". Top
Lignumvitae soils are on tidal mangrove swamps. They are
subject to flooding from tides. Annual temperature ranges from 75 to 78 degrees F., and
the mean annual precipitation ranges from 40 to 50 inches. Top
Geographically associated soils
These are the well drained mineral Keyvaca and Pennkamp
soils and the moderately well drained organic Matecumbe and the somewhat poorly drained
marly Saddlebunch soils on higher landforms; the poorly drained marly Cudjoe and Keywest
soils on similar landforms; and the very poorly drained organic Islamorada, Keylargo, and
Tavernier soils on lower landforms. Top
Drainage and permeability
These soils are poorly drained with a high water table of 0
to 6 inches during wet periods of most years. Permeability is moderate to moderately
rapid. Top
Use and vegetation
Most areas of this soil are used as wildlife habitat. The
dominate native vegetation is black mangroves. Red mangroves, white mangroves, saltwort,
and glasswort are also common. Top
Distribution and extent
Lignumvitae soils are of small known extent on the Florida
Keys. These soils may occur on other tropical islands. Top
Appearance
Closely interlocked grain with a fine, uniform texture. Dark greenish brown to nearly black heartwood and yellowish sapwood. Naturally oily with a low luster. Top
Very hard, strong, heavy, stiff, shock resistant, and decay resistant. Top
Very difficult to work by machine or by hand. Turns very well but natural resins clog sandpaper and make gluing difficult. Polishes easily and often requires no additional finishing. Top
Ideal for underwater use due to self-lubricating properties. Used for ship propeller bushings and bearings, mallets, rollers, casters, small wheels, pulleys, stencil and chisel blocks, handles, and miscellaneous turned items. Top
Probably the strongest and densest wood known. Top
