Populating the mountain valleys and dense forests of East Asia, Picrasma chinensis adapts well to steep terrains and rocky soils. This deciduous tree species is highly valued both for its ecological contributions and its presence in regional ethnobotanical traditions.
Its native range extends across the Chinese provinces of Yunnan and Guangxi, as well as parts of Tibet. The plant thrives at elevations between 1,000 and 2,500 meters above sea level.
Reaching heights of up to 10 meters, this deciduous tree displays yellowish-brown, glabrous branchlets. The large, odd-pinnate leaves consist of 7 to 15 opposite leaflets that are ovate-lanceolate to oblong, featuring finely serrated or nearly entire margins.
Greenish, small flowers assemble in axillary paniculate cymes, blooming in late spring. The subsequent fruits are globose drupes, turning bright red or deep black when fully ripe, and are carried on thickened pedicels.
May to June
In traditional Chinese medicine, the bark and leaves of Picrasma chinensis are utilized under the name Zhongguo Kushu to treat dermatological conditions, reduce fevers, and alleviate inflammatory symptoms. The bitter extract is also utilized as a natural biodegradable pesticide in local agriculture.
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