Contents
Description
Picria Fel-Terrae, also known as Quassia Undulata or Bitter Bark, is a small tropical tree that belongs to the Simaroubaceae family. This plant is native to the Caribbean, Central, and South America. The plant is usually found growing in humid forests and swamps. The tree is known for its strong bitter taste, which is used for medicinal purposes. The bark of the tree is used as a natural insecticide and as a traditional remedy for various ailments such as fever, malaria, indigestion, and diarrhea.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Simaroubaceae |
| Genus | Picria |
Appearance
The Picria Fel-Terrae tree can grow up to 25 feet tall and has a slender trunk with a grayish-brown bark. The leaves are arranged alternately and are pinnately compound with 5-11 leaflets. The leaflets are elliptical, dark green, and glossy. The flowers are small and yellowish-green, and the fruit is a woody capsule with 1-2 seeds.
Care Guide
The Picria Fel-Terrae requires proper care to thrive. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Plant the Picria Fel-Terrae in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Picria Fel-Terrae is generally pest and disease-free, but it can still be affected by some common problems such as:
- Scale insects
- Mites
- Mealybugs
- Leaf spot
- Root rot
Habitat
The Picria Fel-Terrae is native to the Caribbean, Central, and South America. The plant is usually found growing in humid forests and swamps.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Picria Fel-Terrae a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, the bark of the tree is used as a natural insecticide and as a traditional remedy for various ailments such as fever, malaria, indigestion, and diarrhea.
Q: Can I grow Picria Fel-Terrae indoors?
A: Yes, you can grow it indoors, but it requires bright, indirect light.
Q: How often should I water my Picria Fel-Terrae?
A: Water the plant when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Q: Does the Picria Fel-Terrae attract any pollinators?
A: The small yellowish-green flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Quassia Amara
- Strychnos Potatorum
- Simarouba Glauca
- Ailanthus Altissima
References
- “Picria Fel-Terrae.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a877
- “Quassia Undulata.” PlantZAfrica, www.plantzafrica.com/plantqrs/quassiaundul.htm
- “Bitter Bark.” Purdue University, www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/Quassia.html
