Here is a specimen of a lignum vitae tree (Gualacum sanctum). This must be a special tree because it has two Latin names. >> 

Actually, this IS a special tree for many reasons. It grows slowly--about an inch per year. The wood is so dense that it sinks in water. Its wood was highly prized for propellers and judges' gavels. Because it's resinous, the wood was also good for ball bearings and hinges--they are self lubricating. The resin has medicinal properties: it reduces inflammation, suppresses coughs, and was used to treat syphilis. Because of all its uses and extremely slow growth, the tree is rare in most of the Florida Keys, but on this key most of the population was spared from the harvest.

 Here's more information and photos of the tree on Floridata.com.

Lignum vitae is not the only notable tree on the island.  There is a magnificent fig tree with all of its aerial roots, which has been planted near the house (upper left photo). And then there is the native gumbo limbo tree (Bursera simaruba) with its peeling red bark. It's other common name is the tourist tree--get it? The peeling red bark and the peeling red tourists...

This giant statue in front of the Key West History Museum near Mallory Square is different than the one you can see in our '07 Key West trip. We wondered what happens to the old sculptures.   >>  

On another day we stopped by Mallory Square in the middle of the day and two cruise ships were docked there. The deal is that
 all the ships must be gone before sunset.  

We rode our bikes to the other side of town one morning to see the Key West Garden Club Garden--we were early, but noticed that right next to it is an African Cemetery. The historical marker tells the sad story of some of the African slaves and how many had died during shipment from Africa and how some that had been freed were then sent back to Liberia and many died in that passage, as well. Many were buried here in unmarked graves.

The Key West Garden Club Garden at the West Martello Tower, a Civil War fort and a National Historic Site, is always interesting. The garden club has been managing the tower and its gardens since 1955.  It's free to get in, but I always make a donation.  See www.keywestgardenclub.com for more on the garden club and the history of the tower.  Smart Garden came here in '06: see this link for the text of this show.

Tantalizing glimpses into the garden are available through the narrow gun slots in the old fort brick work. >> 

Walking into the garden there are two interesting sculptures; the first is "Wall of Wisdom" with its carved faces of all sizes staring back at you.