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maracaibo lignumvitae

Scientific Name: Bulnesia arborea

Family: Zygophyllaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Bulnesia arborea: Maracaibo Lignum Vitae

Bulnesia arborea, a close relative of the true lignum vitae trees, is known by several common names, including Verawood and Maracaibo Lignum Vitae.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • This tree produces a hard and heavy timber.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Bulnesia arborea (Jacq.) Engl.
  • Family: Zygophyllaceae
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: Zygophyllum arboreum

Common Names

  • Vera
  • Verawood
  • Vera Wood
  • Maracaibo Lignum Vitae
  • Guayacan
  • Palo Santo
  • Ironwood
  • Venesia
  • Vera Amarello
  • Vera Aceituna
  • Vera Pocktree

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Colombia and Venezuela, particularly in coastal regions.
  • Grows in dry coastal forests.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Can grow as a small tree, typically reaching 10-20 feet in height.
  • Cultivated for its buttery-yellow flowers.
  • Produces valuable hard and heavy timber.

Interesting Facts

  • The wood is suitable for most purposes to which true lignum vitae is normally applied.
  • The flowers are sometimes tetramerous (having four parts) instead of pentamerous (having five parts).

Related Species

  • Related to other Bulnesia species, such as Bulnesia sarmientoi (Paraguay Lignum Vitae) and Bulnesia bonariensis.
  • Related to the true lignum vitae trees of the genus Guaiacum, including Guaiacum sanctum.

Further Information

  • Information available from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
  • Details available in the Encyclopedia of Life, including molecular biology data.