Brucea Javanica
Contents
Description
Brucea Javanica, also known as Brucea amarissima, is a small evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia and commonly found in tropical regions. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries due to its medicinal properties. The plant belongs to the Simaroubaceae family and produces fruit that is used for medicinal purposes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Simaroubaceae |
| Genus | Brucea |
Appearance
The Brucea Javanica tree can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a trunk diameter of up to 30 cm. It has a dense, rounded crown with glossy, dark green leaves that are 5-20 cm long and 2-8 cm wide. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers in clusters that are 10-20 cm long. The fruit is a drupe that is green when unripe and turns black when ripe. The fruit is oval in shape and is about 1-2 cm long.
Care Guide
Brucea Javanica requires full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It prefers moist soil but can tolerate dry conditions. Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. Fertilize every three months with a balanced fertilizer. The plant is hardy in zones 9-11, but in colder areas, it can be grown in a greenhouse or as a houseplant.
Common Pests & Diseases
Brucea Javanica is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Root rot can occur if the plant is overwatered, so avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Brucea Javanica is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in tropical regions. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, hillsides, and riverbanks.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Brucea Javanica?
A: Brucea Javanica has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, malaria, dysentery, and cancer.
Q: Can Brucea Javanica be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Brucea Javanica can be grown indoors as a houseplant in colder regions.
Q: How often should Brucea Javanica be fertilized?
A: Brucea Javanica should be fertilized every three months with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Brucea Javanica?
A: Brucea Javanica is hardy in zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Brucea sumatrana
- Brucea javanica
- Simarouba glauca
- Quassia amara
References
- “Brucea Javanica.” Plants For A Future, https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Brucea+javanica.
- “Brucea Javanica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d585.
- “Brucea Javanica.” Flora of China, http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200015186.
