Common Name: Pepperbark Tree

General Information

Pepperbark tree is an evergreen tree with a dense, rounded crown; it usually grows 5 - 10 metres tall, but can occasionally reach 20 metres[, , ].
A very popular traditional medicine, the tree is commonly harvested from the wild and widely sold in local markets[, ]. It is also used locally as a flavouring in foods and as a source of tannins and wood. It can be grown as an ornamental hedge and can be used as a shade tree in plantations[].
There has been some habitat loss due to agricultural activities, expansion of human habitation and logging for firewood and timber[]. The major direct threat to the species is the exploitation of its bark, stems and roots for use in traditional medicinal practices as a treatment of head and chest ailments and also to cure people who are bewitched. This has led to the near extinction of the species in KwaZulu-Natal, parts of Mpumalanga, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - Zimbabwe, Mozambique, S. Africa.

Habitat

Savannah woodland, coastal forest and Afromontane forest[]. Lower rainforests, drier highland forest areas, and in secondary bushlands and grasslands at elevations from 1,000 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	8.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the tropics, where it is found at elevations from 1,000 - 2,200 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 5 - 25°c, but can tolerate 10 - 35°c[]. The plant cannot tolerate frosts[, ]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 400 - 1,750mm, but tolerates 10 - 35mm[, ].
Requires a sunny position[]. Grows in well-drained soil, with good aeration. The soil should be rich in organic matter in the form of well-rotted compost[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5 - 7, tolerating 4.5 - 7.5[]. Established plants are moderately drought tolerant[].
A fairly slow-growing tree[].
Trees can be coppiced[].
The tree is aromatic, with a peppery aroma[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

The leaves are used to flavour soups and curries[]. The leaves have a bitter, burning, aromatic taste[, ].
The leaves are used as a tea[].

The bark contains mannitol[].

Medicinal

Pepperbark tree is a widely used herbal remedy in southern Africa.

The inner bark has many uses as a treatment for malaria, colds, chest pains, coughs, diarrhoea, muscle pains, stomach aches, and general body pains[].

The pepper-like, bitter stems and root bark are used to cure a wide range of ailments. They are used as an expectorant to treat the common cold. Taken orally are believed to cure spots in the lungs[]. Both stems and root bark are a remedy for malaria[]. Powdered and mixed with water, they are believed to cure sores in the mouth[].
Dried and ground, they are taken as a snuff to clear the sinuses[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A suitable plant for growing as a hedge as it responds well to pruning[]. An attractive, dense hedge[].
The tree can be intercropped to provide shade in coffee, banana and cocoa plantations[].
The plant is nitrogen fixing and can be used for green manure and mulch[]. It also provides good shade[].

Other Uses

A resin can be extracted from the bark[, ].

The bark is a source of tannins[, ].

The heartwood is dark yellowish-brown; the sapwood light yellow. The wood is oily, aromatic, and pale, darkening with exposure to the air. It saws and polishes well but is not durable. It is occasionally used for construction, furniture and tools[, , ].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[, , ].

Propagation

Seed - it has a very short viability and should be sown as soon as it is removed from the seed[]. Sow in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate of around 80% can be expected[].
Cuttings

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