The National Tree of the Bahamas is the Lignum vitae (tree of life), which is from the genus Guaiacum (caltrop family or Zygophyllaceae).

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The highly strong and heavy self-lubricating wood is well suited for bearings or bushings on steamship propeller shafts, as well as steel mill bearings, bowling balls, and pulleys.

Shipments of wood from The Bahamas to the United Kingdom and the United States were made by the old New Providence firm of Duncombe and Butler for many years, dating back to World War II.

Apart from its industrial uses, the tree’s bark is utilized for therapeutic purposes, with many Bahamians steeping the bark and drinking it as a tonic for energy and as an aphrodisiac.

The Lignum Vitae’s developing flower has a purplish lavender color, blooms almost all year, and produces a little meaty fruit from its core.
The evergreen leaves are positioned on opposite sides of the plant.
It’s used to treat respiratory problems, as well as inflammation, congestion, and neurological issues.

Sprains, strains, arthritis, and rheumatism can all be helped using the bark of the lignum vitae tree. Throughout history, the wood has been used to treat common coughs, arthritis, and asthma. It’s also used to treat constipation.

The tree can reach a height of 30-40 feet. However, due to its slow growth rate, most people will only see a tree that is 7-15 feet tall. Because of the slow growth, if you see a fully grown tree, it’s most likely over 100 years old.

If you’ve never seen the tree, it’s worthy to note that there are two trees on either side of the Sir Milo Butler Statue in Rawson Square, Nassau.
On the island of New Providence, finding a fully grown tree is difficult, but if you are prepared to go through the forest of the islands, you can still discover a few fully grown trees.