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cascarilla
Scientific Name: Croton eluteria
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Cascarilla (Croton eluteria)
Croton eluteria, commonly known as Cascarilla, is a plant with a rich history and diverse uses. This species belongs to the genus Croton.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- The text mentions that Cascarilla bark yields an aromatic spicy oil.
- It also mentions that Cascarilla is sometimes available as a powder made from finely ground eggshells.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Croton eluteria
- Family: Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) based on references to related species.
- Synonyms and Common Names:
- Cascarilla-bark tree
- Eleuthera-bark tree
- Sweet-wood tree
- Cascarillae cortex (Br.)
- Cortex eluteriae
- Cortex thuris
Distribution and Habitat
- Cascarilla is native to the Caribbean.
- It has been naturalized in other tropical regions.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Cascarilla is a tropical small tree.
- It grows up to 12 meters in height.
Uses and Traditions
- The bark is bitter and aromatic, traditionally used as a tonic.
- Cascarilla bark essential oil has a spicy aroma and is used in perfumes.
- It is used as a flavor and fragrance agent with spicy odor and flavor.
- Cascarilla is used in Santeria rituals in powder or chalk form for purification, protection, and cleansing.
- The bark has been used to flavor tobacco.
Quirky Facts
- Cascarilla is sometimes made from powdered eggshells, ground so finely it feels like baby powder.
Further Information
- WebMD provides patient medical information for Cascarilla, including uses, effectiveness, side effects, and safety.