Quassia africana

Family: Simaroubaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 4 m high. All parts of the plant are very bitter. The bark is greyish green. The leaves are alternate and compound. There are 5-7 opposite leaflets. These are 5-20 cm long by 2-8 cm wide. The end leaflet is largest. The flowering shoots are at the end and are 12-20 cm long. The flower petals are white to yellow with a pinkish tinge.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Cameroon, Central Africa, Congo DR, Gabon, West Africa

How it is used for food

The wood is used as a tonic.

Edible parts

Leaves, wood, root, caution

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Simaba africana Baill.;