Shrubby Quassia (Quassia suffruticosa)

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Quassia suffruticosa: Botanical Description and Distribution

Native to the South American Cerrado, this low-growing woody subshrub thrives in seasonal environments. It occupies open woodlands and savannas, where it has adapted to survive periodic dry seasons. Like its larger relatives, the plant contains bitter constituents throughout its tissues.

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 suffruticosa (Shrubby Quassia)

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Morphology

The plant exhibits a suffruticose growth habit, characterized by a woody base and herbaceous upper branches. Leaves are compound, featuring coriaceous leaflets with prominent venation that helps reduce water loss in dry conditions.

Its small, inconspicuous flowers are typically cream-colored or yellowish-green. These blossoms are clustered in terminal or axillary inflorescences and are pollinated by local insects.

Applications

Researchers study the bitter quassinoids extracted from this species for potential pharmaceutical applications. Traditionally, related species in the region are used in local decoctions to treat fever and digestive ailments.

Interesting facts

The specific epithet suffruticosa translates from Latin as "subshrubby", reflecting the unique habit of this species within the genus. Most of its close relatives are majestic canopy trees of the tropical rainforest.

Despite its compact size, all parts of the plant possess a characteristic protective bitterness. This property reliably safeguards its vegetative organs from being eaten by herbivorous mammals and leaf-chewing insects.

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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