Lignum Vitae (Guaiacum officinale) also known as guaiac wood, French wood, or gajac, originates from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The trees rarely reach diameters of more than 50 cm, so they tend to remain small. When freshly cut, the wood is yellowish-green-brown in color, but turns to a deep green colour when exposed to air, while the sapwood remains yellowish. The wood is very hard and heavy (approx. 1,300 kg/m3), is easy to turn, but difficult to plane. It is extremely resistant to wear, very rich in resin, and dries slowly. Technically, Lignum Vitae is mainly used for parts subject to high mechanical stress, such as planer bases, cones and bowling balls, gear wheels, and ship shaft bearings, which are self-lubricating due to the high oil and resin content of the wood. Its constituents also make guaiacum a valued source of essences in medicine, and liqueur factories process large quantities of Lignum Vitae shavings. The German name pockholz is reminiscent of its medical use: in the 17th century, it was believed to be able to cure smallpox.
