Growing in the deciduous forests of East Asia, the woody variety Picrasma quassioides var. glabrescens is recognized for its specific morphological deviation from the typical form.
This taxon is distinguished by its smooth, less pubescent floral parts. Its presence is documented in regional botanical surveys, where it is noted for its bitter chemical profile.
The physical structure of Picrasma quassioides var. glabrescens features a medium-sized deciduous tree habit. The trunk is covered in a dark brown bark that displays small lenticels and becomes moderately rough over time.
Key morphological features include the following:
May to June
The bitter bark and wood of Picrasma quassioides var. glabrescens have traditional applications due to their high concentration of quassinoids. Extracts are prepared for use as digestive tonics and bitter stomachics in folk medicine.
Furthermore, these extracts provide a natural basis for biodegradable insecticides, helping protect crops without persistent chemical residues. The wood is occasionally used for small-scale woodcarving and construction.
The variety name glabrescens denotes the smooth, hairless nature of the floral stalks, which distinguishes it from its parent species. This loss of pubescence represents an interesting adaptation to specific regional microclimates.
Picrasma quassioides var. quassioides
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