Before polymers, alloys and composites, the wood of Guaiacum
officinale, also known as tree of life, was extremely important
due to its combination of strength, toughness and density. The
common name, Lignum vitae (tree of life or wood of life), comes
from its historic medicinal use as a remedy for conditions from
arthritis to coughs to syphilis. These uses caused over
harvesting, reducing native populations to the point that Lignum
vitae is now listed as "Endangered" by IUCN (The World
Conservation Union). It is native to most of the Caribbean
(including Key West), a 'biodiversity hotspot' that supports
exceptionally diverse ecosystems. Most of its native habitat has
been devastated by deforestation and development.