Picrocardia Bush (Picrocardia)

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Picrocardia: Botanical Profile and Taxonomic Information

Documented extensively in scientific literature, Picrocardia stands as an intriguing botanical genus. Researchers primarily study this taxon to understand broader ecological patterns and evolutionary relationships among plant species.

While not commonly found in commercial horticulture, its presence in global databases highlights its importance to biodiversity conservation and taxonomic documentation.

Taxonomy

  • царство Plantae
  • division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
  • subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • Angiosperms
  • mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
  • eudicots
  • Superrosids
  • rosids
  • malvids
  • order Sapindales
  • family Simaroubaceae (Quassia family)
  • genus Picrocardia (Picrocardia Bush)

Living Pulse

Morphology

The general morphological classification of related genera typically includes the development of woody stems and foliage adapted to their specific habitat. Leaf architecture often shows leaves arranged in a structured manner to maximize sunlight capture.

Reproductive structures are characterized by floral morphology adapted to particular pollination syndromes, culminating in the production of viable seeds. Anatomical and microscopic analyses of these plants reveal internal tissues highly specialized for water transport and chemical defense.

Interesting facts

  • The name of the taxon points to the characteristic natural bitterness of the pith and vegetative tissues.
  • The high content of secondary plant metabolites reliably protects the bark and leaves from insect pests.
  • The systematic status of the group has been repeatedly revised by botanists based on new morphological data.

Sources

  • Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
  • World Flora Online (WFO)

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

See also

Paradise tree

Paradise tree

Simarouba

A genus of neotropical trees and shrubs famous for their lightweight timber and therapeutic bark.