In Brazilian Portuguese ~ Pau D’Arco means bow tree ~ it’s a tall flowering tree native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. The wood is strong and flexible; prized for making bows. Though the flowering season is brief, they are known for their pale pink or violet blossoms that appear on bare branches before the leaves return.
Pau D’Arco is made from the inner bark, which is carefully gathered, dried, and cut into long, fibrous strips. Across different regions, the same tree is known by other names, including lapacho, ipe roxo and taheebo.
When brewed, Pau D’Arco yields a clear, amber-brown cup with a mild, woody aroma. The taste is earthy and gently tannic, with a clean, grounded character.