Erythrophleum suaveolens, also known as the ordeal tree, is a species of flowering plant that can be found across most of tropical Africa.

[2] The species are 20 metres (66 ft) in height, and have a rough and blackish bark.

The plants leaves have 2–3 pairs of pinnae, which carry 7–13 leaflets.

The leaflets are 5 by 2.5 centimetres (1.97 in × 0.98 in), are green coloured and ovate.

[3] The bark of the tree has been used in Liberia to make a toxic concoction used for a form of trial by ordeal called "sassywood".