Angostura (plant)

Angostura (plant), Galipea officinalis, is a flowering plant species belonging to the Rutaceae family, which also includes citrus plants. It is native to the South American tropics, primarily found in Venezuela, specifically in the Angostura region (now Ciudad Bolívar) which gave the plant its name.

The plant is a small tree or shrub, typically reaching a height of 6-12 meters. Its leaves are pinnate, composed of several leaflets. The flowers are small, white or yellowish-white, and arranged in panicles.

The bark of the Angostura tree is the source of the aromatic substance that was historically used in the production of Angostura bitters. The bark contains alkaloids, including galipine, cusparine, and angosturine, which contribute to its bitter taste and medicinal properties.

Historically, Angostura bark was used as a febrifuge (to reduce fever) and as a digestive aid. It was believed to possess tonic, stimulant, and antiseptic qualities. However, due to the difficulty in sourcing pure Angostura bark and the variations in its quality and alkaloid content, the Angostura bitters produced today do not typically contain Angostura bark. The precise recipe for modern Angostura bitters is a closely guarded secret.

The use of Angostura bark as a sole ingredient in bitters production declined significantly in the 19th century, with other bittering agents becoming more common. The plant itself is now relatively rare in commercial cultivation.