
Cascarilla is a genus of tree (croton eluteria) native to the West Indies, but which grows today in many tropical countries. The trees are covered with a reddish-brown bark that is quite woody and thick. The precious bark is removed from the young trees to dry it and reduce it to powder. This is then distilled with steam to obtain an essence of cascarilla with spicy, peppery and woody notes. This original ingredient is now rare in perfumery, although it goes wonderfully well in chypre or oriental compositions.