Croton eluteria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Croton eluteria |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Croton
|
| Species: |
eluteria
|
Cascarilla, also known as Croton eluteria, is a special plant found mostly in the Caribbean islands. It's a type of plant from the Croton family. This plant can grow as a small tree or a tall shrub. It usually reaches about 6 meters (20 feet) tall.
The cascarilla plant has unique leaves. They are not very many, and they grow one after another along the stem. The leaves are shaped like an oval with a pointed end, about 5 centimeters (2 inches) long. The underside of the leaves looks like it has tiny scales. This gives them a shiny, metallic silver-bronze look. The top of the leaves has scattered white scales.
In March and April, the plant grows small, white, and very fragrant flowers. The bark of the cascarilla tree also smells nice. It is pale yellowish-brown and has cracks. Sometimes, you can see lichen growing on the bark.
Cascarilla bark is also used to add flavor to drinks. For example, it helps give a special taste to liqueurs like Campari and Vermouth.
What's Inside Cascarilla Bark?
Cascarilla bark contains many interesting natural ingredients. It has about 1% to 3% of special volatile oils. These oils are what give the bark its unique smell.
The bark also has a group of special compounds called cascarillins. These are a type of diterpenoid, which are complex natural chemicals. You can also find lignins, which help make the plant strong, and tannin, which can be used in different ways. There are also resins in the bark.
Many other flavorful compounds are present too. These include different types of terpenes and diterpenes. Some common ones are pinene, which smells like pine, and vanillin, which gives a vanilla-like scent. You might also find D-limonene, which smells like citrus, and thujene.
How People Use Cascarilla
Croton eluteria has been used for different purposes. One common use is as a fumigant. This means it can be burned to create smoke. The smoke has a pleasant smell and can help keep insects away.
It is also used as a bitter stomachic. This means it can help with digestion. Some people use it to make their stomachs feel better or to help them eat more. The bitter taste can sometimes make your body produce more digestive juices.
See also
In Spanish: Cascarilla para niños
