Gouania lupuloides, commonly known as Chewstick or Whiteroot, is a climbing shrub or vine, part of the Rhamnaceae family. It is native to tropical dry forests, moist forests, and forest edges from Mexico to South America and throughout the West Indies. This plant typically thrives in disturbed areas and secondary forests, often climbing up trees to reach the sunlight. Gouania lupuloides can grow quite tall when supported, reaching lengths of up to 5 meters. It features small, inconspicuous white to greenish flowers that bloom from November to March, followed by fruits from January to May. The fruits are small, winged, and dispersed by wind, aiding in the plant’s propagation.

Chewstick is valued for its historical and contemporary use as a natural dental cleaning tool due to the fibrous nature of its roots and stems. The plant’s extracts are also incorporated into commercial toothpaste and are a traditional ingredient in Jamaican ginger beer, reflecting its cultural significance. In cultivation, Chewstick prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from partial shade to full sun. It is relatively low maintenance. While not commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes, it can be used to create naturalistic plantings in tropical and subtropical gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0