Guaiacum

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Six species, including:

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Guaiacum officinale

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Guaiacum sanctum

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Guaiacum is a genus in the family Zygophyllaceae. The six species are shrubs and trees, native to subtropical and tropical regions of the Americas.

Related Topics:
Genus - Zygophyllaceae

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The trees are grown in Florida and California as ornamental plants. The trees grow slowly and can reach a height of approximately 20 m, though it is usually less than half that. They also yield guajacum, a gum resin used in certain drugs. The resin has been used to treat a variety of medicinal conditions from coughs to arthritis. Wood chips can also be used to brew a tea.

Related Topics:
Florida - California - Ornamental plant - Guajacum - Resin - Drug - Cough - Arthritis - Tea

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