Angostura trifoliata

(Willd.) T. S. Elias

Angostura

Rutaceae Edible: Bark - spice, Flavouring Potential hazards — see below

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Summary

Source: Wikipedia

Angostura trifoliata is a plant native to South America. It is an evergreen, growing 18 to 24 metres (59 to 79 ft) tall. The leaves are composed of three ovoid lanceolate leaflets. The flowers are purplish-white. Angostura bark is used in the treatment of fevers, where it is believed to be as effective as quinine. It is also used in a number of aromatic bitters, such as Abbott's Bitters and Fever-Tree aromatic tonic water; however, it is not used in Angostura brand bitters, which is instead named after a town in Venezuela, now Ciudad Bolívar. This plant is used to flavor foods like candy and ice cream. The bark is bruised and used to intoxicate fish.

Description

An evergreen tropical tree growing 18-24 m tall with three-leaflet leaves. The bark has been traditionally used to flavour gin and other drinks.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

An extract of the bark is used to flavour various foods including bitter tonics, baked goods, candy, ice cream etc. The bark is the original flavouring for 'Angostura Bitters', which is now made using bitter orange peel, gentian and other herbs and spices.

Traditional Uses

The bark is used to flavour gin and other drinks.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The bark is used medicinally.

Known Hazards

The bark is bruised and used to intoxicate fish.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Amazon, Brazil, Colombia, South America, Venezuela, West Indies,

Notes

It is used as medicine.

Synonyms

Angostura cuspare Roem. & Schult. [Illegitimate]Bonnetia trifoliata Walp.Bonpladia angostura Rich. [Invalid]Bonpladia angostura Spreng.Bonpladia candolleana Spreng.Bonpladia cuneifolia Spreng.Bonpladia trifoliata Willd.Cusparia angostura (Rich.) Cusparia febrifuga Humb.Cusparia officinalis Engl.Cusparia trifoliata (Willd.) Engl.Galipea corymbosa Spreng.

Also Known As

Ajamata, Cuspa, Quiina blanca, Quina, Quina amarilla, Wesochai ejichu

References (4)

Grandtner, M. M. & Chevrette, J., 2013, Dictionary of Trees, Volume 2: South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Academic Press p 33
Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 66
Seidemann J., 2005, World Spice Plants. Economic Usage, Botany, Taxonomy. Springer. p 127 (As Cusparia febrifuga)
Wiersema, J. H. & Leon, B., 2013, World Economic Plants. A Standard Reference CRC Press. 2nd Ed. p 55