Pau d’arco is the common name for several species of trees native to South and Central America’s tropical rainforests. Also known as taheebo or lapacho, it can grow up to 38 m (125′) tall and has pink to purple flowers, which bloom before new leaves appear. It was a deeply prized herb known by many of the indigenous tribes of South America.

Once the pau d’arco inner bark is dried and shredded, it can be made into a tea which has a slight bitter or sour taste and is brownish-coloured.