Winged-leaved Quassia (Quassia alatifolia)

Amargo Bitterwood Surinam quassia Lignum quassiae
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Quassia alatifolia: Guide to the Winged Bitterwood Shrub

Widely recognized for its intense bitterness, Quassia alatifolia grows naturally in the understory of South American rainforests. This species is famous for producing quassin, one of the bitterest natural substances known to science.

The plant features striking foliage and bright red flowers that attract hummingbirds. It serves as both a biological pest deterrent and an ornamental specimen in tropical gardens.

Taxonomy

  • ∟ царство Plantae
  • ∟ division Tracheophytes
  • ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • ∟ Angiosperms
  • ∟ mesangiosperms
  • ∟ eudicots
  • ∟ Superrosids
  • ∟ rosids
  • ∟ malvids
  • ∟ order Sapindales
  • ∟ family Simaroubaceae (Quassia family)
  • ∟ genus Quassia (Quassia Wood)
  • ∟ species Quassia alatifolia (Winged-leaved Quassia)

Living Pulse

Powered by iNaturalist

Morphology

This species develops as a large shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 3 to 8 meters. Its compound leaves consist of dark green, opposite leaflets, with the leaf stem and central axis prominently winged.

Bright red, tubular flowers form in terminal racemes, measuring up to 30 centimeters in length. The resulting fruits are small, oval drupes that turn black when mature, sitting atop a swollen red receptacle.

Flowering season

Throughout the year, with a peak flowering period from October to March.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Name
Dec

Applications

Organic Insecticide: The wood extracts serve as an effective, biodegradable pest control agent in organic farming. They target pests like aphids and caterpillars without harming beneficial insects like bees.

Beverage Industry: Because of its clean bitter taste, the extract is a flavoring component in tonics, bitters, and traditional liqueurs. It also aids digestion and stimulates appetite.

Interesting facts

  • Extreme Bitterness: Quassin extracted from the wood is estimated to be fifty times more bitter than quinine, making it one of the most bitter natural compounds.
  • Hummingbird Pollinated: The bright red, tubular flowers are specifically adapted for pollination by hummingbirds, which are attracted to the abundant nectar.

Geography of distribution

  • Brazil
  • French Guiana
  • Suriname
  • Guyana
  • Venezuela

Sources

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

Смотрите также

Indian Quassia

Indian Quassia

Quassia indica

An evergreen mangrove and riverbank tree of tropical Asia and Africa, valued for its medicinal …

Read more →