Smooth-stemmed Japanese Bitterwood (Picrasma quassioides var. glabrescens)
Picrasma quassioides var. glabrescens: Botanical Overview
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.
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)
- ∟ variety Picrasma quassioides var. glabrescens (Smooth-stemmed Japanese Bitterwood)
Morphology
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:
- Inflorescence: Lax cymes that are notably glabrous or glabrescent, lacking the dense hairiness found in the typical variety.
- Foliage: Alternate, odd-pinnately compound leaves containing thin, papery leaflets with serrulate margins.
- Flowers: Small, pentamerous blossoms of a pale green or yellowish color that emerge in the axils of young branches.
Flowering season
May to June
Applications
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.
Interesting facts
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.
- Vernacular Naming: Its Chinese name translates directly as "smooth inflorescence bitter tree," highlighting its main taxonomic identifier.
- Chemical Defense: The tissues are rich in quassin, one of the bitterest natural substances known to science.
Geography of distribution
- China
- Japan
Sources
- POWO: Plants of the World Online database.
- WFO: World Flora Online.