PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NTInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Near Threatened — close to qualifying as Vulnerable. Requires ongoing monitoring.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Guaiacum sanctum
Holywood Lignum-vitae
L., 1753
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The Holywood Lignum-vitae (Guaiacum sanctum) is an extremely slow-growing evergreen tree, legendary for having one of the densest, heaviest, and most resistant woods in the plant kingdom. It is a small to medium-sized tree, rarely exceeding 12 meters (40 feet) in height, with a dense, globose, lustrous dark green canopy. Its trunk is often twisted, covered in grayish bark that peels off in small patches. Its leaves are compound and opposite, with smooth leaflets that close at night or under water stress. The most spectacular feature of the species is its flowering: it produces clusters of intense blue or purplish flowers that contrast beautifully with the foliage. Its fruits are yellow-orange winged capsules that, when opened, reveal seeds wrapped in a brilliant red aril. Its wood is so dense that it sinks in water and contains natural resins that act as a lubricant.
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Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Zygophyllales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Zygophyllaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Guaiacum
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.L., 1753
Record Completeness
91%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
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Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It inhabits exclusively tropical dry forests and arid coastal zones. It is a highly specialized species that withstands extreme drought conditions, high salinity, and limestone or stony soils with few nutrients. In Costa Rica, its distribution is drastically restricted to remnant patches of dry forest in the North Pacific (Guanacaste), where it is considered a botanical jewel of conservation.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a tree of extreme resilience. Its phenology is linked to the rain pulses of the dry forest. It flowers massively at the beginning of the rainy season, attracting a vast number of bees. Its leaves have the capacity to perform nyctinastic movements (closing) to conserve moisture. Growth is so slow that a tree of only 10 cm in diameter can be over 50 years old.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
400.0 - 1200.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Self-Lubricating Wood: The wood contains up to 25% natural resins (guaiacol). This adaptation allows the wood to resist friction and wear without the need for external oils, which is why it was historically used to manufacture ship bearings and submarine propeller shafts, remaining unalterable by seawater.
Extremely dense and slow growth: Instead of growing fast to reach the light, the Holywood Lignum-vitae invests its energy in creating a compact and impenetrable cellular structure. This extreme density protects it from termites, fungi, and total desiccation, allowing it to live hundreds of years in environments where other trees would die from the heat.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Historical Overexploitation: For centuries, its wood was coveted for naval engineering and heavy industrial tools. This led to the eradication of the largest individuals across almost its entire original range.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The tree that does not float: The Holywood Lignum-vitae has a specific gravity of 1.3, meaning it is much denser than water. If you throw a branch into a river, it will sink like a piece of iron stone.