Trifoliate Brucea (Brucea trifoliata)
Brucea trifoliata: Botanical Overview and Key Features
Bearing distinctive three-part leaves, Brucea trifoliata stands out within its botanical genus. This wild shrub grows in specific tropical microclimates, where it plays a minor role in the local ecology.
The species remains primarily of interest to taxonomists and field botanists studying the diversity of the genus.
Taxonomy
- ∟ царство Plantae
- ∟ division Tracheophytes
- ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- ∟ Angiosperms
- ∟ mesangiosperms
- ∟ eudicots
- ∟ Superrosids
- ∟ rosids
- ∟ malvids
- ∟ order Sapindales
- ∟ family Simaroubaceae (Quassia family)
- ∟ genus Brucea (Macassar Kernel)
- ∟ species Brucea trifoliata (Trifoliate Brucea)
Morphology
This plant grows as a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub of modest height. Unlike many of its congeners that bear multi-foliolate pinnate leaves, this species is defined by compound leaves with only three leaflets.
The leaflets are generally ovate-elliptic with lightly dentate or wavy margins and a slightly textured surface. Small, greenish or dark reddish flowers develop on slender axillary inflorescences.
The dry or slightly fleshy drupes contain a single hard seed with a bitter endosperm.
Interesting facts
The species name reflects the trifoliate leaf structure, which is less common in the genus compared to other multi-leaflet species.
Geography of distribution
- China
- Myanmar