Saffron-yellow Quassia (Quassia crocea)

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Quassia crocea: Discovery, Habitat and Plant Profile

Populating the rich tropical ecosystems of South America, Quassia crocea draws interest for its taxonomic history and ecological significance. This species integrates seamlessly into the dense vegetation of its native woodlands.

The botanical history of this plant links back to historical collections in Brazil, illustrating the diversity of the local flora. Its survival strategies reflect a strong adaptation to seasonal moisture patterns.

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 crocea (Saffron-yellow Quassia)

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Morphology

This woody plant exhibits a shrubby or small tree-like growth habit with sturdy, fibrous branches. The foliage consists of pinnate leaves that display a deep green coloration under the forest canopy.

Distinctive flowers emerge during the favorable season, featuring hues that inspired the specific epithet crocea, which relates to saffron or yellow-orange colors. These flowers yield small fruits that aid in seed dispersal by forest wildlife.

Applications

Ecological restoration projects in South America may utilize Quassia crocea to help rebuild degraded forest structures. Its root system assists in stabilizing tropical soils, making it valuable for preserving local watershed integrity.

Interesting facts

  • The name crocea translates to saffron-yellow, referencing the unique coloration found within its floral structures or bark.
  • It belongs to a lineage famous for producing quassinoids, which are intensely bitter organic compounds studied for agricultural use.
  • Local herbariums preserve historical specimens that document its geographic distribution across South American biomes.

Geography of distribution

  • Brazil

Sources

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

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

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