Picrasma

Description

Picrasma is a genus of deciduous trees and shrubs that belong to the Simaroubaceae family. The name Picrasma comes from the Greek word “pikros” meaning “bitter,” which refers to the bitter taste of its bark and seeds. The plant is native to East Asia and North America, and it is widely used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and dysentery.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Picrasma trees can grow up to 30 feet tall and have a spread of 20 feet. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and has deep fissures. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 5-11 leaflets that are dark green and glossy. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and appear in clusters in late spring. The fruit is a small, reddish-brown drupe that contains a single seed.

Care Guide

To care for a Picrasma plant, you should provide it with regular watering, especially during the growing season. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types. Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring using a balanced fertilizer. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of hardiness zones from 4 to 8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Picrasma plants are generally healthy and resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew. These can be treated with fungicides or by removing infected leaves. The plant can also be affected by scale insects, which can be treated with insecticides.

Habitat

Picrasma plants are native to East Asia and North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and rocky slopes. They prefer moist, well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of temperatures and humidity levels.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Picrasma be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Picrasma can be grown in containers if provided with adequate space and drainage.

Q: Is Picrasma toxic to pets?

A: The seeds and bark of Picrasma contain quassinoids, which can be toxic to pets if ingested. It is best to keep pets away from the plant.

Q: How long does it take for a Picrasma tree to mature?

A: Picrasma trees can take up to 10 years to reach maturity.

Q: What is the medicinal use of Picrasma?

A: Picrasma is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, diarrhea, dysentery, malaria, and other ailments.

Related Plants

• Simarouba glauca
• Ailanthus altissima
• Quassia amara

References

• Flora of China. (2021). Picrasma. In Flora of China. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=122742
• Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Picrasma. In Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d203
• Ohio State University. (2021). Picrasma. In Buckeye Yard and Garden Online. https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1147