Pará calunga (Simaba paraensis)
Simaba paraensis: Amazonian Bitterwood Species
Inhabiting the lush, high-rainfall forests of the Amazon basin, Simaba paraensis ranges across northern Brazil and Ecuador. The species was first described in 1925 by the prominent Brazilian botanist Adolpho Ducke, a pioneer in Amazonian taxonomy.
Its distribution spans the Brazilian states of Pará, Roraima, and Acre, showcasing its adaptation to diverse terra firme forest soils.
Taxonomy
- ∟ царство Plantae
- ∟ division Tracheophytes
- ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- ∟ Angiosperms
- ∟ mesangiosperms
- ∟ eudicots
- ∟ Superrosids
- ∟ rosids
- ∟ malvids
- ∟ order Sapindales
- ∟ family Simaroubaceae (Quassia family)
- ∟ genus Simaba (Simaba Tree)
- ∟ species Simaba paraensis (Pará calunga)
Morphology
This woody plant exhibits a shrub or small tree habit with alternate, pinnately compound leaves. The leaflets are coriaceous and help the plant conserve moisture in the forest understory. Its small, pale flowers are clustered in panicles, followed by woody or fibrous fruits.
Applications
Like its relatives, the bark and roots of this species contain active quassinoid bitter principles. Traditional communities in the Amazon basin have historically utilized infusions of related bitterwoods for treating fevers and digestive ailments.
Interesting facts
- The specific epithet paraensis refers to the Brazilian state of Pará, where the type specimen was originally collected.
- Adolpho Ducke, who described the species, was one of the most prolific collectors of Amazonian flora in the early 20th century.
Geography of distribution
- Pará
- Roraima
- Acre
- Ecuador
Sources
- POWO (Plants of the World Online)
- WFO (World Flora Online)
- GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility)
- IPNI (International Plant Names Index)