Pohl's simaba (Simaba pohliana)
Simaba pohliana: Botanical Overview, Distribution, and Facts
The tropical forests of northern and northeastern Brazil serve as the primary habitat for Simaba pohliana.
This wild woody species belongs to the Simaroubaceae family, which is widely recognized for producing bitter-tasting quassinoid compounds. It occurs naturally within the states of Pará, Tocantins, and Maranhão.
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 pohliana (Pohl's simaba)
Morphology
As a member of the genus Simaba, this species exhibits several characteristic morphological features:
- Growth Habit: Typically develops as a woody shrub or small tree adapted to tropical soils.
- Foliage: Features alternate, compound pinnate leaves with leaflets that are typically coriaceous (leathery) in texture.
- Inflorescence: Produces small, bisexual or unisexual flowers arranged in terminal or axillary branched structures.
- Fruit: Develops small drupaceous fruits that contain a single seed, typical of the Simaroubaceae family.
Interesting facts
The genus Simaba is renowned for containing high concentrations of quassinoids, which are among the most bitter natural substances known. These compounds serve as a natural defense mechanism against herbivorous insects and pathogens. Furthermore, the taxonomic history of the genus is closely linked to early botanical explorations of the South American woodlands.
Geography of distribution
- Pará, Brazil
- Tocantins, Brazil
- Maranhão, Brazil
Sources
- World Flora Online (WFO)
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)