Botanical atlas

Verawood

Bulnesia arborea

Long before Bulnesia arborea became known to woodworkers and shipbuilders as verawood, the communities of the dry forests of Venezuela and Colombia were already drawing on its dense, resin soaked heartwood. As a close relative of true lignum vitae, Guaiacum officinale, its resin has traditionally been used in parts of its native range to ease the aches of rheumatism and stiff joints, in the same folk tradition that made guaiac wood famous across the Atlantic centuries ago. More than a medicine, the tree became a working partner, its wood so hard and naturally oily that it was carved into gears, pulleys, and bearings that outlasted metal. Today it is remembered as much for the golden, honey scented flowers that blanket its canopy in the dry season as for the quiet, patient strength of its timber.

Safety.

No established safe dose exists for internal use of the wood, bark, or resin, so it should not be taken internally. Sawdust from cutting or sanding the timber can irritate skin and airways, so wear a mask when working with it.