Simarouba

Description

Simarouba is a genus of flowering plants in the family Simaroubaceae. It comprises approximately 20 species of evergreen trees and shrubs that are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. One of the most common species is Simarouba glauca, also known as Paradise tree, which is popularly used for medicinal purposes.Simarouba has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments, including fever, malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, inflammation, and cancer. Its bark, leaves, and seeds contain various bioactive compounds, such as quassinoids, triterpenoids, and flavonoids, that possess antitumor, antimalarial, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Simarouba glauca is a medium-sized tree that can reach up to 30 meters in height. It has a straight trunk with a grayish-brown bark that is smooth when young and becomes rough and scaly with age. The leaves are compound, alternate, and pinnately arranged, with 6-10 leaflets that are elliptic to lanceolate in shape and up to 20 cm long. The flowers are small, yellowish-green, and appear in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small drupe that contains one or two seeds.

Care Guide

Simarouba is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of soil and climatic conditions. However, it grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter, and requires regular watering during the dry season. Fertilization is recommended once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Simarouba prefers full sun exposure and can grow in hardiness zones 9-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Simarouba is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be attacked by fungal pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, which cause root rot, leaf spot, and fruit rot. Insect pests such as scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites can also infest the tree, leading to stunted growth, leaf yellowing, and premature leaf drop.

Habitat

Simarouba glauca is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It is widely cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, and other parts of Asia for its medicinal properties and as a source of timber and fuelwood.

Question and Answer

Q: What are the medicinal uses of Simarouba?

A: Simarouba has been traditionally used to treat fever, malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, inflammation, and cancer. Its bioactive compounds have shown antitumor, antimalarial, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Q: What are the common pests and diseases of Simarouba?

A: Simarouba is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be attacked by fungal pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and insect pests such as scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites.

Q: Where is Simarouba native to?

A: Simarouba glauca is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Q: What are the soil and climatic requirements for Simarouba?

A: Simarouba prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter, and requires regular watering during the dry season. It grows best in full sun exposure and can grow in hardiness zones 9-11.

Related Plants

• Quassia amara
• Ailanthus altissima
• Simaba cedron
• Eurycoma longifolia

References

• Alonso-Castro, A. J., et al. (2011). Mexican medicinal plants used for cancer treatment: pharmacological, phytochemical, and ethnobotanical studies. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 133(3), 945-972.
• Govindarajan, R., et al. (2012). Antimicrobial activity of a quassinoid-rich extract from the roots of Simarouba glauca against multidrug-resistant bacteria. International Journal of Microbiology, 2012, 1-8.
• Simarouba glauca. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Simarouba+glauca
• Simarouba glauca (paradise tree). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/117542