Status in Costa Rica

Since January 1997, Guaiacum sanctum (genuine lignum vitae) has been officially classified as an endangered species in Costa Rica, under Executive Decree No. 25700-MINAE. It is also regarded as one of the forest species with the scarcest adult populations in the country.

According to data released by the former National Biodiversity Institute (INBio), based in Costa Rica, it was estimated in 1990 that the population of mature Guaiacum sanctum trees in the country barely reached 100 individuals.

Twenty years later, the population of mature Guaiacum sanctum trees remains essentially unchanged, as two decades represent a relatively brief period in the life cycle of this slow-growing species. However, the key difference lies in the significantly greater number of young Guaiacum sanctum trees now present in the country.

Notably, in the protected areas of Guanacaste Province, there has been a significant emergence of young Guaiacum sanctum trees in recent years. This regeneration is attributed to the protective management regime implemented within these conservation zones.

In recent decades, Costa Rica—particularly the province of Guanacaste—has seen the emergence of valuable private initiatives aimed at promoting and popularizing the cultivation of Guaiacum sanctum (genuine lignum vitae). Perhaps the most notable of these is the Guayacán Real Project, developed at Finca San Lorenzo in Bahía Salinas, La Cruz canton, Guanacaste province. The project is distinguished by its stewardship of the renowned and centuries-old Guaiacum sanctum specimen known as MAGÓN, and by its successful planting of over one thousand young trees since 1993.

Equally deserving of special recognition is the outstanding work of Engineer Antonio Leigh, based in the city of Cañas, Guanacaste. He cultivated several thousand Guaiacum sanctum saplings, which he generously donated to a wide range of public and private entities in an effort to help prevent the extinction of the species.

It is highly encouraging that the Municipality of La Cruz Canton has officially declared Guaiacum sanctum (genuine lignum vitae) as the cantonal tree. Its presence is notably visible throughout the canton, adorning parks, gardens, and streets with its distinctive beauty.