Xylopia aethiopica

Other names: bitter wood, Ethiopian pepper, Habesha pepper, Ethiopian hornbeam

Xylopia aethiopica, also known as bitterwood, Ethiopian pepper, Habesha pepper or Ethiopian Habesia, is a tropical tree that occurs naturally in Africa, specifically in the western and central parts of that region. This evergreen tree can reach heights of up to 15 to 20 metres and is characterised by its dark brown, almost black, spicy fruits that look like small peppercorns.

The fruits of Xylopia aethiopica are widely used in the culinary and pharmaceutical industries. In the kitchen they are mainly used as a spice to flavour various dishes such as soup, rice or meat. Their flavour is very pungent and spicy, reminiscent of the flavour of classic pepper, which is why they are sometimes called Ethiopian or Habesha pepper. Not only the fruit but also the leaves and bark of this tree are used in the pharmaceutical industry. They have many medicinal properties and are used, for example, to treat diarrhoea, malaria or headaches. Last but not least, the wood of this tree is considered to be distinctive and sought-after because of its bitter taste and is used to make various types of drinks such as liqueur.