Guaiacum

Guaiacum is a genus of tropical American evergreen trees and shrubs known for their hard, heavy wood and a resin with medicinal uses. These plants, often called lignum vitae, have pinnate leaves and typically blue flowers.12

The wood of Guaiacum species, such as Guaiacum officinale, is greenish-brown and exceptionally dense, making it useful for items like pulleys and bowling balls due to its waterproof nature from high fat content. The resin, also called guaiacum, is extracted from the wood and has been used historically to treat respiratory disorders. While Guaiacum is the genus name, "guaiac wood" can also refer to the heartwood of a different tree, Bulnesia sarmienti, used in perfumery.1234