Description

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Bulnesia arborea (Verawood) is a moderate size tree up to 50 feet (15.24 m) tall, in the wild it can be taller. Verawood has an erect, slender straight trunk, that is free of branches for up to 20 feet (6.1 m). It has a spreading, dense, finely branched crown, which can be wider than the tree is tall. Furthermore, the olive green leaves are pinnate, even, opposite, up to 5 inches in length with 7 to 14 pairs of leaflets. Also, the flowers are borne in terminal clusters with large blooms.

In addition, Bulnesia arborea (Verawood) is tolerant of poor soils, but they should be well-drained. Young plants need watering and pruning to form a single trunk and shape the crown. It is also a valuable timber tree. The wood is greenish-brown in color, very dense, durable, self-lubricating, is aromatic, and has multiple uses, such as for tool handles.

Landscape Applications

The Verawood tree (Bulnesia Arborea) is an attractive tropical flowering tree with brilliant yellow flowers present for several months. Landscaping applications include under power lines or along streets.  You can also use Verawood as a specimen tree, accent tree or shade tree. It can be placed in a small yard or park. You should allow for its spreading habit. Interestingly, Verawood is related to the Guaiacum Lignum vitae.