Common Name: Jamaican Quassia

General Information

Jamaican quassia is a tree growing from 6 - 25 metres tall[].
The plant has been used for many hundreds of years by native peoples as a medicine and insecticide. Its use spread to the western world in the 18th century and it is cultivated, mainly for medical use, in parts of S. America[].
The plant is threatened by deforestation and over-exploitation. It is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

Some care needs to be exercised when ingesting this plant since excess doses can lead to gastric irritation and vomiting[].

Botanical References

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Range

Northern S. America to Central America and the Caribbean.

Habitat

Hill pastures, relict woodland and along the sides of roads at elevations from 90 - 825 metres[]. Tropical forests and near water[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	20.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive sandy loam[].

Edible Uses

The bitter extract of the bark is used as a flavouring in drinks, baked goods, candy etc[, ].

Medicinal

Jamaican quassia bark contains several medically active constituents including quassinoid bitter principles (including quassin); alkaloids; a coumarin, scopoletin; and vitamin B1[]. It is an intensely bitter, non-astringent, odourless herb that lowers fever, stimulates appetite and improves digestion[]. It is an effective parasiticide and is reputedly antileukaemic[]. Some of the quassinoids have been shown to have cytotoxic and antileukaemic actions[].
The strongly bitter principle in the bark supports and strengthens weak digestive systems, increasing bile flow plus the secretion of salivary juices and stomach acids[]. It is used internally in the treatment of a wide range of illnesses where digestion is a contributory factor, particularly convalescent debility, poor appetite and anorexia[, ]. Its bitterness has led to it being used in the treatment of malaria and other fevers[, ]. It is also used to rid the body of nematode worms[].
Used externally, it is a good lotion to get rid of parasites such as lice[]. It is also used in an enema to rid the body of threadworms and other parasites[, ].
The bark can be harvested as required throughout the year, and can be dried for later use[].

Other Uses

The decocted bark is an effective insecticide against flies, red spider mites, aphids and woolly aphids[]. It is used as an insect repellent[].

The white to yellowish-white wood is soft, light, loosely grained, easily split[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe.
Semi-ripe cuttings.

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