Verawood (Bulnesia arborea)

Steve Turner June 2, 2013 Flowering Trees 0

Verawood is a tree with a spreading, rounded growth habit, which creates dense shade under its canopy. Over time the canopy becomes wider than the overall height of the tree which can obtain a height of 20-30 feet. It has shiny dark green pinnately compound leaves composed of 7-14 pairs of leaflets. It produces brilliant yellow flowers 2-4 times per year from April-October. It is in the same family, Zygophyllaceae, as our native Lignum vitae (Guaiacum sanctum), and has a very similar overall shape, but grows much faster than Lignum vitae. Verawood grows in USDA planting zone 10a-12b. It is salt tolerant, drought tolerant, and grows very well in South Florida’s high pH soils.

Verawood is native to the coastal forests of Venezuala and Colombia. It was first introduced into the US by Dr. David Fairchild. The Genus is named after General D. Manuel Bulnes, a president of Chile in the 19th century.

This tree is available at Richard Lyons’ Nursery in 7gal. containers 6-8′ tall.

Bulnesia arborea (Verawood)	Bulnesia arborea (Verawood)	Bulnesia arborea (Verawood)
Bulnesia arborea (Verawood)	Bulnesia arborea (Verawood)	Bulnesia arborea (Verawood)