Sambucus peruviana

Sambucus peruviana is a species of tree in the family Adoxaceae. It is native to Central America and South America.

Description
Trees up to 8 m, irregular trunk. Leaves compound, with 7-9 ovate-oblong leaflets, margin serrate, acute apex, hairy underside. The inflorescences are cymes 18–22 cm long, with white fragrant flowers. The fruits are black berries 1.2 cm in diameter, with 3-5 seeds.

Distribution and habitat
Sambucus peruviana is found from Costa Rica and Panama down the Andes south to northwestern Argentina between 2800 and 3900 m of elevation.

Vernacular names
Sauco (Colombia, Peru, Bolivia), kiola (Argentina), r'ayan (Quechua language).

Uses
The fruits can be made into jams, drinks, and wines. The leaves, flowers and fruits have medicinal properties; analgesic, antiinflammatory, antiseptic, sudorific. The wood is hard and resistant, used for construction, tools and making of quenas.