Pepper-bark Tree

Warburgia salutaris — Canellaceae

Italiano: Albero della corteccia di pepe

Description

Pepper-bark Tree (Warburgia salutaris) belongs to the Canellaceae family and is native to Africa. It thrives in Evergreen forest, woodland environments across regions including Africa. Botanically, Pepper-bark Tree is evergreen tree with peppery bark and edible fruits. Critically endangered but traditionally important.. The edible parts include Bark, Fruits. With an edibility rating of 5/10, it ranks as a moderate wild food source. Harvesting is best done during August, July, June and May. Nutritionally, Pepper-bark Tree stands out for its Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV), Vitamin C (20.0mg, 22% DV) and Vitamin E (1.0mg, 7% DV). It also provides 2.0g protein and 3.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Pepper-bark Tree offers a Peppery, pungent bark; mild fruits flavor profile. Grate bark sparingly as spice. Common culinary applications include Spice, Medicinal tea. Popular preparations include Use sustainably cultivated bark only as pepper substitute. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Endangered — do NOT harvest wild; bark harvesting kills trees. Antinutrient content is minimal. Be aware that Verify identification before consumption. Safe lookalike species include Similar edible species. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Evergreen forest, woodland across Africa.

🍳 Recipe: Use sustainably cultivated bark only as pepper substitute

Preparation method: Grate bark sparingly as spice
Flavor profile: Peppery, pungent bark; mild fruits
Edible parts: Bark, Fruits

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug.
Lookalike (safe): Similar edible species
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): Verify identification before consumption
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

5/10
Toxicity: Endangered — do NOT harvest wild; bark harvesting kills trees
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Bark, Fruits
Preparation: Grate bark sparingly as spice
Flavor: Peppery, pungent bark; mild fruits

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 3.0g
Vitamin C: 20.0mg (22%DV)
Vitamin A: 50mcg (5%DV)
Vitamin E: 1.0mg (6%DV)
Vitamin K: 30mcg (25%DV)
Folate (B9): 20mcg (5%DV)
Calcium: 30.0mg (2%DV)
Iron: 1.0mg (5%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 200mg (4%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: Spice, Medicinal tea Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Use sustainably cultivated bark only as pepper substitute

Where It Grows

Continent: Africa
Regions: Africa
Habitat: Evergreen forest, woodland
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Sources & References