Jamaica quassia, Bitter ash
Picrasma excelsa

Family: Simaroubaceae

What it is like

A shrub or tree. It grows 6-25 m tall.

There are 9 Picrasma species. Also put in the family Picramniaceae. It is an at risk species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows between 90-825 m above sea level. It grows in forests and near water.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Caribbean, Central America (country/location of origin), Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Guiana, Haiti, Jamaica, Lesser Antilles, Mozambique, Puerto Rico, South America, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, West Indies

How it is used for food

An extract from the wood is used in bitter tonics and liqueurs. It is also use commercially to flavour baked goods, candies, and frozen dairy products. It has been used to increase the bitterness or orange marmalade. It has been used as a substitute for hops.

Edible parts

Wood - flavouring

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seeds and by semi-ripe cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Bitter-ash, Bitterwood, Jamaica quassiawood

Synonyms

Aseschrion antillana (Eggers) Small; Quassia excelsa Sw.; and others