Tetradium ruticarpum

This genus of nine species of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs occurs in the Himalayas, and southern and eastern Asia. It is closely related to Euodia and Ravensara, and resembles Phellodendron (See, Amur Cork Tree) in appearance. Several species are grown for their attractive leaves and large clusters of fruits. Tetradium ruticarpum was first recorded in Chinese medicine before CE200, during the later Han dynasty. In contrast to its upleasant-tasting, poisonous fruits, those of Malagasy tree, Ravensara aromatica, to which Tetradium is closely related, are clove-scented and used in food flavoring. Tetradium comes from the Greek tetradeion, "quaternion", as the floral parts are in fours.

Deciduous shrub or small tree with papery, gland-dotted, pinnate leaves, to 40cm (16in) long, divided into 7-15 ovate leaflets, to 17cm (7in) long. Small white to yellow or green flowers are produced in clusters to 18cm (7in) long in spring and summer, followed by conspicuous warty rust-red fruits, containing glossy black seeds.

Common Name:	Tetradium ruticarpum
Botanical Name:	Tetradium ruticarpum syn. Euodia officinalis, E. rutaecarpa.
Genus:	Tetradium
Family:	Rutaceae
Cultivation:	Well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Remove dead or congested growths in early spring.
Propagation:	By seed sown in autumn; by root cuttings in midwinter.
Harvest:	Fruits are collected when ripe and dried for use in decoctions.
Native Location:	China and Taiwan
Height:	9m (28ft)
Width:	5m (15ft)
Hardiness:	Z9-11
Parts Used:	Fruits (wu zhu ya)
Properties:	A pungent, bitter, very warming herb that relieves pain, destroys intestinal parasites, stimulates the uterus, controls vomiting, and is anti-bacterial. It increases both body temperature and blood pressure.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for stomach chills and pains, vomiting and acid regurgitation, diarrhea (especially in early morning), painful menstruation, and threadworm infections. Usually combined with Glycyrrhiza glabra (See, Licorice) to reduce toxicity and with Zingiber officinalis (See, Ginger) for abdominal chills.
Warning:	Fruits are poisonous. Excess causes diarrhea, dyspepsia, and delirium.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown. Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 385