Quinine tree, Tree reserpine
Rauvolfia caffra

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 4.5-6 m high and spreads 3-4.5 m wide. It can be taller. The bark if grey or brown and broken into small squares. The leaves are in rings of 3-6. They are simple and glossy. They are bright green above and dull green underneath. The leaves are 30 cm long. They have a white midrib. The flowers are white and in dense heads. These are at the ends of branches. The fruit is fleshy and almost round. They are green with white spots. They become black and wrinkled when mature. They have 1 or 2 seeds.

There are about 60-120 Rauvolfia species. It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows on the edge of forests and near rivers. In Malawi it grows from 650-1,700 m altitude. In Zimbabwe it grows between 840-1540 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, East Africa, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The bark is put into beer to increase the flavour and strength. Caution: Several parts of this plant are very toxic.

Edible parts

Bark - flavouring, caution

How it is grown

It can be grown from seeds or large cuttings or sections of branches.

It is fast growing. In Central African Republic plants flower in March.

Its other names

Local names

Chiwimbi, Makashu, Mudzurungu, Muimbe, Mukamamasanhi, Mukashu, Mukaurura, Musingwiswi, Mutowamakaka, Muzungurwi, Mwinbi, Mwumbamvula, Namyungu, Ngwimbi, Nyensani, Rambanssaco, Tchovo, Umkhamamasi, Umtformasi

Synonyms

Rauvolfia natalensis Sonder; Rauvolfia inebrians K. Schum.; Rauwolfia caffra;