Contents
Description
Simaroubaceae is a family of flowering plants that consists of about 170 species, including trees and shrubs. The family is distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, with some species found in temperate areas. Simaroubaceae is known for its bitter taste, which is due to the presence of quassinoids in the plant’s tissues. Some species in this family are used in traditional medicine for their medicinal properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Simaroubaceae |
| Genus | Simarouba, Ailanthus, Picrasma, Quassia, Castela, etc. |
Appearance
Simaroubaceae plants have a wide range of appearances. Trees in this family can grow up to 35 meters tall, while shrubs can grow up to 6 meters tall. The leaves are usually pinnate or bipinnate, with an alternate arrangement. The flowers are usually small and unisexual, with five petals and sepals. The fruit is usually a drupe or a capsule.
Care Guide
The care requirements for Simaroubaceae plants can vary depending on the species. Here are some general guidelines:- Water: Water the plants deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plants once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.- Sunlight: Most Simaroubaceae plants prefer full sun, but some species can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The hardiness zones for Simaroubaceae plants can vary depending on the species. Check the specific requirements for the plant you are growing.
Common Pests & Diseases
Simaroubaceae plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but some issues can arise. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:- Pests: Scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites can infest Simaroubaceae plants.- Diseases: Root rot and leaf spot can occur if the soil is too wet.
Habitat
Simaroubaceae plants are found in a variety of habitats, including tropical rainforests, dry forests, and savannas. Some species are adapted to grow in poor soils and can be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields.
Question and Answer
Q: What are some medicinal properties of Simaroubaceae plants?
A: Simaroubaceae plants have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as malaria, fever, and dysentery.
Q: What is the cause of the bitter taste of Simaroubaceae plants?
A: The bitter taste is due to the presence of quassinoids in the plant’s tissues.
Q: What are some examples of Simaroubaceae plants?
A: Some examples include the Ailanthus altissima, Quassia amara, and Simarouba glauca.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for Simaroubaceae plants?
A: The hardiness zones can vary depending on the species. Check the specific requirements for the plant you are growing.
Related Plants
– Ailanthus altissima- Castela emoryi- Picrasma quassioides- Quassia amara- Simarouba glauca
References
– “Simaroubaceae.” The Plant List. Accessed 7 September 2021. http://www.theplantlist.org/browse/A/Simaroubaceae/.- “Simaroubaceae.” Wikipedia. Accessed 7 September 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simaroubaceae.
