Quassia indica-Medicinal Plant

Evergreen tree or shrub to 10 m high. Leaves elliptic-oblong, subacute-rounded at base, acute to acuminate at apex, coriaceous, glabrous, shining, reticulately nerved. Petioles 1-2 cm long, stout. Flowers 20 or more in umbelliform glabrous or puberulous inflorescences.

People use quassia for stomach and intestinal problems, diabetes, lice, skin conditions, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most uses. In manufacturing, quassia is used to flavor foods, beverages, lozenges, and laxatives. The bark and wood have been used as an insecticide.