The Fever Tree (Pinckneya pubens) has many names, often just known as Pinckneya, but is also called Fever Bark, Georgia Bark, Georgia Fever Tree, Florida Quinine, and Poinsettia Tree. It’s a small short-lived shrub-like tree that grows in wet areas on the edges of swamps and is easily recognized by its pink poinsettia-like blooms. I found this one on Ten Mile Road near Coleman’s Pond.

Numerous sources state that Pinckneya bark was used by indigenous people for the treatment of fevers, hence the name fever tree. Until the proliferation of modern medicines in the mid-20th century, it was widely collected for its bitter bark, which has quinine-like qualities, and was used as an immunization against malaria and various fevers. Over time, wild stocks were reduced by collecting but I believe it has recovered somewhat. It’s still a bit difficult to find unless you know where to look.