Lignum Vitae

Lignum Vitae (Latin for "wood of life"), common name for a small genus of trees and shrubs, native to tropical America, that yield heavy, durable wood. Of the approximately eight species in the genus, two occur in the United States. One is widespread in the West Indies and is also found in southern Florida, where it is used as an ornamental. The other is a scrubby tree or bush extending into southwestern Texas from its major range in northeastern Mexico.



Cedar

Cedar (tree), common name for three or four species of large trees native to mountainous areas of North Africa and Asia. Cedar trees belong to the pine family, the members of which have needle like leaves and, like all conifers, bear their seeds on scales clustered into cones. They differ from other members of the family in their evergreen four-angled leaves borne on short side-branches. The genus produces fragrant, durable, red-coloured wood used in construction and cabinetry. Although no true cedars are native to North America, they are planted as ornamentals in milder areas, and various horticultural varieties, based on growth form and leaf colour, exist.

Mahogany

Mahogany, common name for a medium-size family (about 550 species in about 50 genera) of tropical trees and shrubs important for high-quality woods. True mahoganies are members of an American genus and an African genus. Members of the family usually have pinnately compound (branching) leaves and three to five sepals and petals. The five to ten stamens are fused along their filaments (stalks) to form a tube.

Mahogany wood is heavy, strong, and easily worked and resists rot and termites. It is used in cabinetry and veneers and formerly, before all the large trees were cut, in construction.

Mahogany, common name for a medium-size family (about 550 species in about 50 genera) of tropical trees and shrubs important for high-quality woods. True mahoganies are members of an American genus and an African genus. Members of the family usually have pinnately compound (branching) leaves and three to five sepals and petals. The five to ten stamens are fused along their filaments (stalks) to form a tube.

Mahogany wood is heavy, strong, and easily worked and resists rot and termites. It is used in cabinetry and veneers and formerly, before all the large trees were cut, in construction.