Lignum-vitae — Identification, Uses and Properties
Vitex lignum-vitae Lamiaceae
Used for applications where strength and durability are required. Historically used as a substitute for true Lignum Vitae in bearings and tool handles.
HARDWOOD AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND CABINETRY
Taxonomy & Nomenclature
Botanical Name(s)
Vitex lignum-vitae
Family
Lamiaceae
Wood type
Hardwood
Local Names
Yellow Hollywood (Australia), Satinwood (Australia), Golden Box (Australia), Cherry (Australia)
Origin Region
Australia/New Zealand
Main End Uses
Cabinetry · Flooring · Tool handles · Wood turning · Indoor furniture · Marine construction · Bearings
Wood Identification Guide
Reference Colour
Dark grey
Texture
Fine and uniform texture.
Grain
Close and even grain; frequently interlocked.
Sapwood
Pale yellow or cream-coloured, clearly distinguished from the heartwood.
Interlocked Grain
Present, sometimes severely.
Notes
Recognized by its dark grey heartwood with a slight warmth, fine texture, and oily feel. It is extremely hard and heavy. Often confused with Guaiacum species due to its name, but distinguished by its color and lack of the same intense perfume-like fragrance.
Wood Identifier App
Identify Lignum-vitae and more with the app
Snap a photo and get instant AI-powered species recognition. Available on Google Play and the App Store.
Log Description
Tree height
30 ft
Tree height
9.144 m
Diameter
90 cm
Buoyancy
Sinks in water
Diameter
35.4 in
Physical & Mechanical Properties
Density
925 g/cm³ @ 12% MC
Density
57.7 lb/ft³
Durability & Treatment
Resistance to Decay
DurableDry Wood Borers
ResistantTermites
ResistantTreatability
Extremely difficultUse Class
2Drying Schedule & Risks
Drying Rate
Slow
Risk Distortion
Moderate
Risk Checking
High
Sawing & Machining
Blunting Effect
High
Tooth For Sawing
Stellite-tipped or tungsten carbide recommended.
Machining Tools
Power tools required; hand tools are very difficult to use.
Notes
Tends to ride over the cutters in planing due to extreme hardness and oily resin content.Assembling & Finishing
Nailing Screwing
Pre-boring required
CITES & Trade Restrictions
CITES Status
Unlisted
Trade Notes
Not listed under CITES (unlike the Caribbean Guaiacum species which are often called by the same common name).
Back to Species Library
Completeness: 1.3 / 10