Galipea officinalis
Hancock
Angostura, Cusparia bark
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Hamilton, Edward (via Wikimedia Commons)
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photo by Michael Saalfeld (via Wikimedia Commons)
Description
A rainforest shrub. It grows 15 m high and spreads 10 m wide. The bark is smooth and grey. The leaves have 3 leaflets. The leaves are 30 cm long. The flowers are tube shaped and white with 5 lobes. The fruit are 5 celled capsules. The seeds are round and black.
Edible Uses
The bark is used as a flavouring extract in bitter tonics, baked goods, ice cream, and gelatins.
Traditional Uses
The bark is the source of an extract used to flavour foods. It flavours bitter tonics, baked goods, ice cream, gelatins etc. Caution: It should not be used in large amounts.
Known Hazards
Should not be used in large amounts.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows in humus rich soil in part shade. It needs a temperature above 15-18°C.
Where It Grows
America, South America,
Notes
There are 8-10 Galipea species. They grow in tropical America. It is also used to stun fish.
Synonyms
References (5)
- Brouk, B., 1975, Plants Consumed by Man. Academic Press, London. p 277 (As Cusparia febrifuga)
- Brown, D., 2002, The Royal Horticultural Society encyclopedia of Herbs and their uses. DK Books. p 218
- Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 221
- Morton,
- Trans. Med. Bot. Soc. London 1:25. 1829
