DESCRIPTION & COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Grows as an evergreen shrub or small tree in & around coastal areas of Central & South Florida & the Keys. It is native to Florida & the West Indies. Has heavy, very hard, close grained wood that has bright red heartwood & lighter colored sap wood. Reported to respond well to ordinary machine tools & is generally easy to work. Generally considered to respond well to most machining operations. Polishing properties are reported to be very good. BOTANICAL NAME: Vitex gaumeri JANKA HARDNESS: 1160