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Guaiacum Officinale

The wood of this tree is called Lignum Vitae. A resin, called gum guaiacum, exudes from the stem, and is otherwise obtained from the wood by artificial means. It is of a greenish-brown color, with a b...

Economic Plants In The Collection Of The U. S. Department Of Agriculture November 11, 2026 1 min read 2,972 views

The wood of this tree is called Lignum Vitae.

A resin, called gum guaiacum, exudes from the stem, and is

otherwise obtained from the wood by artificial means. It is of a

greenish-brown color, with a balsamic fragrance, and is

remarkable for the changes of color it undergoes when brought into

contact with various substances. Gluten gives it a blue tint:

nitric acid and chlorin change it successively to green, blue, and

brown. The resin is used medicinally as also are the bark and

wood.



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