Pepperbark Tree

Warburgia salutaris

Physical Characteristics

Warburgia salutaris is an evergreen Tree growing to 8 m (26ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Southern Africa - Zimbabwe, Mozambique, S. Africa.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Leaves Edible Uses: Condiment Tea The leaves are used to flavour soups and curries[392 ]. The leaves have a bitter, burning, aromatic taste[295 , 303 ]. The leaves are used as a tea[303 ]. The bark contains mannitol[303 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Antitussive Antitussive Malaria 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[392 ]. 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[295 ]. Both stems and root bark are a remedy for malaria[295 ]. Powdered and mixed with water, they are believed to cure sores in the mouth[295 ]. Dried and ground, they are taken as a snuff to clear the sinuses[295 ].

Known Hazards

None known