Lignum vitae Is a Self-Lubricating Wood

Natural resin can account for as much as one-quarter of the air-dried weight of Lignum vitae heartwood. That resin gives the wood a waxy feel and allows it to lubricate itself.

Why it’s surprising: Lignum vitae was traditionally used for underwater propeller-shaft bearings, where its strength, water resistance and natural lubrication allowed wood to perform a job now commonly associated with engineered materials.