Guaiacum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Zygophyllaceae, commonly known for its hardwood trees. These trees are native to tropical regions of the Americas and are recognized for their dense, durable wood, often used in making furniture and tools. The most well-known species is Guaiacum officinale, which is also known as lignum vitae. The wood of Guaiacum has medicinal properties and has been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including arthritis and syphilis. Additionally, the resin extracted from these trees has applications in traditional medicine and is used in some industrial processes.