Source: bing.comContents
Description
Quassia, also known as bitter wood, is a plant with medicinal properties that is native to South America, particularly Brazil and Suriname. It is a small to medium-sized tree, growing up to 15 meters tall, with a straight trunk, spreading branches, and a dense crown. The bark is smooth, grayish-brown, and bitter to the taste.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Simaroubaceae |
| Genus | Quassia |
Appearance
The leaves of the quassia plant are pinnate, with 5-11 leaflets that are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, and lighter green on the underside. The flowers are small, yellow, and are arranged in panicles. The fruit is a small, woody capsule that splits into two sections when ripe, releasing small seeds.
Care Guide
Quassia is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions, but it thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers partial shade to full sun and can grow in hardiness zones 10-11. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize every 2-3 months with a balanced fertilizer. Prune the plant to shape it and remove dead or damaged branches.
Common Pests & Diseases
Quassia is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Leaf spot and powdery mildew can also occur, especially in humid conditions, but can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Quassia is found in tropical rainforests and other moist, shady areas in South America. It is also cultivated in other parts of the world, including the Caribbean, Africa, and Southeast Asia, for its medicinal properties.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the medicinal properties of quassia?
A: Quassia is used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, malaria, dysentery, diarrhea, and parasites. It is also used as a tonic and to stimulate appetite.
Q: Can quassia be grown indoors?
A: Yes, quassia can be grown indoors in a pot, as long as it is placed in a bright, sunny location and is watered and fertilized regularly.
Q: Is quassia toxic?
A: Quassia is generally considered safe when used in appropriate doses, but can be toxic in large amounts. It should not be used by pregnant or nursing women or by people with liver or kidney disease.
Q: Can quassia be used as an insecticide?
A: Yes, quassia can be used as a natural insecticide to control pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies. It can be made into a spray by steeping the bark in water and then straining out the liquid.
Related Plants
- Hop Tree (Ptelea trifoliata)
- Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
- Neem (Azadirachta indica)
- Golden Shower Tree (Cassia fistula)
References
- “Quassia.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e661.
- “Quassia.” Purdue University Center for New Crops and Plant Products, www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Quassia.html.
- “Quassia.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30042856-2.
