Hairy-fruited Japanese Bitterwood (Picrasma quassioides f. dasycarpa)
Picrasma quassioides f. dasycarpa: Botanical Profile and Facts
Thriving across the temperate and subtropical forests of East Asia, the deciduous woody plant Picrasma quassioides f. dasycarpa stands out as a unique botanical form.
This tree is recognized for its bitter wood properties, which have historically attracted botanical interest. Its growth habit contributes to the forest canopy, providing structural complexity to its native habitat.
Taxonomy
- ∟ царство Plantae
- ∟ division Tracheophytes
- ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- ∟ Angiosperms
- ∟ mesangiosperms
- ∟ eudicots
- ∟ Superrosids
- ∟ rosids
- ∟ malvids
- ∟ order Sapindales
- ∟ family Simaroubaceae (Quassia family)
- ∟ genus Picrasma (Bitterwood Tree)
- ∟ species Picrasma quassioides (India quassia)
- ∟ form Picrasma quassioides f. dasycarpa (Hairy-fruited Japanese Bitterwood)
Morphology
The structural framework of Picrasma quassioides f. dasycarpa is characterized by a deciduous tree habit, typically reaching heights of up to 10 meters. Its bark displays a smooth, dark grey-brown texture that develops subtle fissures as the specimen matures.
The foliage and reproductive structures exhibit several key characteristics:
- Leaves: Odd-pinnately compound arrangements consisting of 7 to 15 leaflets with serrate margins and acuminate tips.
- Flowers: Small, unisexual or polygamous blossoms of a greenish-yellow hue, arranged in loose axillary cymes.
- Fruits: Small drupes that are distinguished from the typical form by their characteristic pubescence, presenting a fine layer of hairs on the outer surface.
Flowering season
Late spring to early summer
Applications
The wood and bark of Picrasma quassioides f. dasycarpa contain active bitter substances, primarily quassinoids. These compounds have been utilized in traditional herbal preparations for their potential antimicrobial and febrifuge properties.
Additionally, the extract from the bark serves as a natural insecticide in agricultural practices. The durable timber is also used locally for crafting small implements and furniture due to its insect-resistant qualities.
Interesting facts
The intense bitterness of the wood is so pronounced that even tiny fragments can impart a bitter taste to large quantities of water. This botanical feature acts as an evolutionary defense against grazing animals and boring insects.
- Etymology: The genus name is derived from the Greek word for bitterness, reflecting the defining chemical characteristic of the plant.
- Form Epithet: The term dasycarpa translates to "hairy fruit," pointing directly to the unique pubescence of its drupelets.
Geography of distribution
- China
- Japan
- Korea
Sources
- POWO: Plants of the World Online database.
- GBIF: Global Biodiversity Information Facility.