82 MISC. PUB. 882, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 
MANAGEMENT AND Controu.—All parts of the plant are toxic to 
both humans and livestock, although some people are practically 
immune to poisoning by contact. The milky juice is often injurious 
to the skin and particularly so to the eyes. Gloves should be worn 
when pruning or handling the plants. Livestock will not ordinarily 
browse on the plants provided more desirable forage is available. 
The plants are a constant hazard in areas accessible to tethered or 
confined livestock and preventative measures are required. The plants 
form regrowth if cut, making it necessary to dig them out if complete 
eradication is desired. Soil sterilants and selective herbicides are 
effective, but should not be used where they would be hazardous to 
other vegetation. 
Apocynaceae, or Dogbane, Family 
Rauvolfia tetraphylla L. (fig. 45) 
Bitterash 
Description.—This tree has smooth bark and slender twigs; it 
grows to 60 feet in height. The bark of the young twigs is green, 
it turns hght gray with age. The smooth leaves are about 2 inches 
wide and 6 inches long, and taper to sharp points at both ends; they 
have many lateral veins and are dark green and shiny above, light 
green and dull beneath. The leaves are borne on short stems and 
usually occur in whorls of 4, sometimes 3, or opposite. The small, 
white flowers are borne in clusters in the leaf axils near the tips of 
the slender, slightly drooping branches. The pear-shaped, bluntly 
grooved fruits, containing 2 seeds, are about 14 inch long, green when 
young, and become reddish brown at maturity. All parts of the 
plant contain a milky sap, which is irritating to the skin. The bark 
and leaves are distinctly bitter to the taste. Trees grown in partial 
shade appear darker green than those growing in full sun. The trees, 
which blossom during the wet season, are propagated by seeds. Bitter- 
ash is not the species of Rawvolfia that is grown for its medicinal 
properties. 
DIsTRIBUTION AND Haprrat.—This tree is found in wooded areas, 
in thickets on hillsides, and along streambeds on all of the Virgin 
Islands. Bitterash occurs singly or in small groups on a wide range 
of soil types in moist districts. 
Toxiciry AND Symproms.—Three alkaloids—reserpine, tetraphy]l- 
line, and tetraphyllicine—have been isolated from the roots of the 
bitterash tree (72). Chick-feeding trials show that the leaves and 
bark of the tree are poisonous. Livestock are not likely to browse on 
the foliage of the tree; however, fallen or discarded branches are a 
potential hazard because curious animals are capable of consuming 
toxic amounts of them. 
MANAGEMENT AND ContTrou.—Bitterash is not ordinarily eaten by 
livestock, but its presence in areas that are accessible to livestock - 
constitutes a potential danger, which is lessened by good livestock 
management. Use of selective herbicides or grubbing is recommended 
where eradication is desired; cutting is not recommended because cut 
stumps form regrowth. 
