Caribbean princewood
StarExostema caribaeum
Synonyms: Cinchona myrtifolia, Cinchona jamaicensis, Exostema caribaeum var. pubescens, Exostema caribaeum var. velutinum, Exostema veraensis, Cinchona caribaea, Cinchona caribbeana, Cinchona herbacea, Exostema longicuspe, Cinchona racemosa
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
Across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America the intensely bitter bark of Exostema caribaeum, known as "quina" or palo de quina, has long served in folk medicine as a substitute for cinchona, taken as a decoction to reduce fevers (including malarial fevers) and as a bitter tonic to stimulate the appetite and treat stomach complaints (Regional Conservation Program; PubMed, 1987). Its antipyretic reputation is associated with 4-phenylcoumarin constituents of the bark.
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Botanical Description
Exostema caribaeum, the Caribbean princewood or West Indian quininebark, is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the family Rubiaceae, native to Florida, the Lucayan Archipelago, the wider Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, where it grows in dry coastal woodland, hammocks and rocky scrub. It typically forms a slender tree with smooth grey bark and a narrow crown. The leaves are opposite, simple, leathery and glossy, elliptic to ovate with entire margins and small interpetiolar stipules characteristic of the family. The fragrant flowers are showy and tubular with a very long, slender corolla tube opening into five narrow, white to cream lobes that age yellowish, and conspicuously exserted stamens, the blossoms strongly scented at night. The fruit is a woody, ribbed capsule that splits to release numerous flattened, winged seeds. The stem bark is notably and persistently bitter.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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