Quassia amara is a tropical tree native to South America, particularly found in countries like Guyana and Brazil. It belongs to the family Simaroubaceae and can grow up to 10 meters tall. The tree is known for its bitter compounds, primarily quassinoids, which are found in its bark and wood. Traditionally, Quassia amara has been used in herbal medicine for its potential health benefits, including digestive aid and anti-parasitic properties. Additionally, it is sometimes used as a natural insect repellent. The tree's bitter flavor makes it unsuitable for culinary uses but valuable in various medicinal applications.