Angostura, Cusparia bark
Galipea officinalis

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

A rainforest shrub. It grows 15 m high and spreads 10 m wide. The bark is smooth and grey. The leaves have 3 leaflets. The leaves are 30 cm long. The flowers are tube shaped and white with 5 lobes. The fruit are 5 celled capsules. The seeds are round and black.

There are 8-10 Galipea species. They grow in tropical America. It is also used to stun fish.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in humus rich soil in part shade. It needs a temperature above 15-18°C.

Countries/locations it is found in

America, South America

How it is used for food

The bark is the source of an extract used to flavour foods. It flavours bitter tonics, baked goods, ice cream, gelatins etc. Caution: It should not be used in large amounts.

Edible parts

Bark - flavouring

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cusparia febrifuga; Galipea cusparia;