Why is the lignum vitae the national flower of Jamaica?

National Flower- Lignum Vitae Lignum Vitae (Guiacum officinale) is indigenous to Jamaica and was found here by Christopher Columbus. It is thought that the name “Wood of Life” was then adopted because of its medicinal qualities. In addition to shedding an attractive flower, the plant itself is extremely ornamental.

What is the color of the Lignum Vitae flower?

blue flower
Description of the Lignum Vitae The plant is extremely ornamental, producing an attractive blue flower and orange-yellow fruit, while its crown has an attractive rounded shape.

What’s the national flower of Jamaica?

Lignum Vitae
On the basis of the response, the Jamaica Horticultural Society recommended to the National Flower Committee that the ower of the Lignum Vitae be chosen as the National Flower of Jamaica.

What is a lignum vitae?

Lignum vitae is Latin for “wood of life”. The plant derives its name from its medicinal uses; lignum vitae resin has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions from coughs to arthritis, and chips of the wood can also be used to brew a tea.

What is the benefit of lignum vitae?

Scientifically classified as Guaiacum, lignum vitae extract is useful for skin disorders, respiratory complaints and syphilis. The resin from the tree is also good to treat dry mouth, thirst and to excite warmth in the stomach. It also stimulates body heat and promotes circulation.

What does lignum vitae look like?

Color/Appearance: Heartwood color can range from a olive to a dark greenish brown to almost black, sometimes with a reddish hue. The color tends to darken with age, especially upon exposure to light. Color of genuine Lignum Vitae tends to be darker than that of Argentine Lignum Vitae.

What is lignum vitae used for?

The common name, Lignum vitae (tree of life or wood of life), comes from its historic medicinal use as a remedy for conditions from arthritis to coughs to syphilis.

What is Jamaican national symbol?

The doctor bird remains a colorful national symbol of Jamaica! The Lignum Vitae was found here by Christopher Columbus. Its name, when translated from Latin, means “wood of life” – probably adopted because of its medicinal qualities.

Is lignum vitae protected?

Conservation Status: Lignum vitae is rare throughout its range due to habitat loss and commercial harvesting. It occurs in about 10 parks and preserves in FL. It is placed in CITES Category II (may become extinct unless trade is subject to strict regulation) because of harvesting for its wood.

What is Jamaican national animal?

Description of the Doctor Bird The doctor bird or swallow tail humming bird (Trochilus Polytmus), is one of the most outstanding of the 320 species of hummingbirds. It lives only in Jamaica.

Does lignum vitae have a scent?

Lignum Vitae smells floral (ylang), woody (sandal), vanillic and spicy. Its milkiness has a spicy gingerbread facet, I smell cardamom, immortelle and pink pepper, and it feels pleasantly relaxed, even lazy.