Schweinfurth's Quassia (Quassia schweinfurthii)

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Quassia schweinfurthii - Tropical African Species Profile

Growing within the tropical heartlands of Central Africa, this species thrives in diverse woodland and riverine habitats. It represents a vital component of the local flora across several nations, including South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

As a wild forest inhabitant, its ecological dynamics are closely tied to the preservation of native African woodlands. Scientific documentation of this taxon contributes to our broader understanding of tropical biodiversity.

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 schweinfurthii (Schweinfurth's Quassia)

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Morphology

This species displays characteristic traits of the genus, adapted to seasonal tropical climates:

  • Habit: Typically a deciduous or evergreen shrub or small tree.
  • Foliage: Compound leaves with leaflets arranged along a central axis.
  • Bark: Contains bitter principles, common to many related forest species.

Applications

No significant commercial cultivation or specialized applications are widely recorded for this species. It remains primarily of interest for botanical research and local biodiversity conservation.

Interesting facts

The species was named in honor of Georg August Schweinfurth, a prominent Baltic German botanist and ethnologist who explored East-Central Africa. It serves as an indicator species for specific types of transitional tropical forest zones.

Geography of distribution

  • South Sudan
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Central African Republic

Sources

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

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

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