A deciduous or evergreen tree to 30 m tall. The leaves are alternate, simple (not lobed or pinnate), with entire margins, and 6-12 cm long, 3-5 cm wide. The flowers are creamy white, 8-14 cm diameter, with 6-15 tepals. The fruit is a fused aggregate of follicles, 3-5cm long, pinkish-red when mature, with the follicles splitting open to release the 1cm long seeds. The seeds are black but covered by a thinly fleshy red coat, which is attractive to some fruit-eating birds.

Antiperiodic, aromatic, diaphoretic, laxative, stimulant and tonic (bark); hallucinogen (leaves or bark)

Plants For A Future

A tea made from the bark has been used as a substitute for quinine in the treatment of malaria and is also taken internally in the treatment of colds, bronchial diseases, upper respiratory tract infections, rheumatism and gout. The bark has been chewed by people trying to break the tobacco habit. A tea made from the fruit is a tonic, used in the treatment of general debility and was formerly esteemed in the treatment of dyspepsia and other stomach ailments.

James A Duke and Maryl Fulton. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs - 2nd Edition, P: 709, CRC Press July 2002.