Fever plant, Pepper root, Pepper bark
Warburgia salutaris

Family: Canellaceae

What it is like

A tree growing 15 to 40 m high. It is higher in tropical areas. The leaves are simple and alternate. The leaves are olive green. They are 13 cm long by 4 cm wide. The leaf stalk is usually short. The leaves have a bitter, burning taste. The flowers are small and green. They contain both sexes. The flowers are in the axils of leaves. The fruit are round berries up to 4 cm across. They are dark green and turn purple.

The bark is used for a tonic. It is used in medicine. There are 3 species of Warburgia.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in evergreen forest. It is often in rocky and sandy places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are sometimes added to curries. They have a peppery taste.

Edible parts

Leaves - flavouring, spice

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chibaha, Isibaha, Muranga

Synonyms

Chibaca salutaris Bertol f.; Warburgia ugandensis non Sprague; Warburgia breyeri Pott;