A multitude of uses

Just because I can’t swim doesn’t mean I don’t have a lot of value. The Lignum Vitae, that’s me, has a beautiful, classic tree silhouette that turns heads along with purple flowers produced in late spring or summer followed by profuse orange fruit in late summer and fall. Additionally, my name is Latin for “Tree of Life”. It comes from the medicinal use of my resin to treat a variety of medical conditions from coughs to arthritis. Although I’m not native to Hawaii, I have a low weed risk assessment score by my friends at Plant Pono so I’m not considered invasive, instead I’m a welcomed addition to the Hawaiian islands.