English: Chewstick; Whiteroot.
Genus: 50 to 70 species.
Region: Africa,
Madagascar, Indian Ocean islands, southern Asia, Americas, Hawaii.
Habitat: tropical and subtropical.
Use: teeth cleaning implement; gum; soap, shampoo; in Jamaican ginger beer.
Botany: shrubs or lianas.Flowers: from November to March, usually in the early dry season.