You can translate Lignum Vitae roughly as wood life or wood of life, and the actual wood of that name comes from the heartwood of a variety of ironwood. It was the thought of a child suckling, and being given life thereby that brought it to mind as a title. There is also an interesting juxtaposition in using the name of one wood to title a piece made from another wood.
Am I being too ironic here?
Giok