Simarouba (Simarouba)
Description
Simarouba-is a genus of trees and shrubs in the-Simaroubaceae-family, native to the-neotropics. It has been grouped in the subtribe Simaroubina along with the-Simaba-and-Quassia-genera. They have-compound leaves, with between 1 and 12 pairs of alternate pinnate leaflets. Their flowers are unisexual, relatively small (around 1-cm long) and arranged in large-panicles. The individual flowers have between 4 and 6-sepals-and-petals-and between 8 and 12-stamens. The fruit is a carpophore and has up to 5 drupaceous mericarps. In 1713, the genus was discovered by French explorers. Between 1718 and 1725, the bark was exported to France where it was used to treat an epidemic of dysentery. The bark of Simarouba species has been used by indigenous tribes as a tea to treat many diseases. The seeds of Simarouba glauca have been proposed as suitable for producing edible oils in India. Simarouba amara is harvested for timber, with its bright and lightweight timber being highly sought after in European markets to use in making fine furniture and veneers.
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum: Magnoliophyta
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Class: Magnoliopsida
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Order: Sapindales
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Family: Simaroubaceae
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Genus: Simarouba
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