Vera Wood

Vera Wood or Bulnesia arborea is an evergreen tree native to Colombia and Venezuela.  Of the family Zygophyllaceae it is cultivated for its buttery-yellow flowers and valuable hard and heavy timber called Vera Wood or Maracaibo Lignum Vitae.  Vera Wood was introduced from Venezuala to South Florida by Dr. David Fairchild.

Plant Facts:

Common Name:  Vera Wood

Botanical Name:  Bulnesia arborea

Family:  Zygophyllaceae

Plant Type:  Evergreen tree

Origin: Colombia and Venezuela

Zones: 9-11, good to 40°F, lower temperatures may cause defoliation

Height:  40-100'

Rate of Growth: Slow to Medium

Salt Tolerance: Moderate

Soil Requirements:  Any with good drainage

Water Requirements: Very drought tolerant, additional watering not needed once established

Nutritional Requirements: Fertilize twice yearly

Light Requirements: Full sun

Form:  Large well shaped tree

Leaves:  Dark green, compound pinnate

Flowers: Buttery-yellow double flowers produced at branch tips -- Spring, Summer and Fall

Fruits: Winged pods twice yearly

Pests or diseases:  None

Uses:  Specimen plant, shade tree

Bad Habits: None

Cost:  $$ - $$$ -- reasonable to expensive.  Not widely available.

Propagation:   Seeds or air layering

Sources: Flowering Trees of Florida