Common names: Paradise tree, dysentery bark, bitterwood

Key Characteristics:

Tree:

         A medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall.

Leaves:

         Large, compound leaves with glossy, dark green leaflets.

Flowers:

         Small, yellow flowers arranged in clusters.

Fruits:

         Purple, oval-shaped fruits that contain seeds.

Distribution:

         Native to Florida, South America, and the Caribbean. It thrives in warm, humid tropical regions.

Uses:

Medicinal:

         The bark, leaves, and fruit have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including dysentery, malaria, and fever.

Timber:

         The wood is durable and insect-resistant, making it suitable for construction and furniture.

Ornamental:

         The tree is often planted as an ornamental tree due to its attractive foliage and flowers.