Quassia amara

Quassia amara, also known as bitter-wood, is a species of flowering plant in the family Simaroubaceae. It is native to tropical rainforests in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

Description

Quassia amara is a small tree or shrub that grows up to 3 meters in height. It has compound leaves that are shiny and dark green on the top surface, and lighter underneath. The flowers are small, red, and arranged in clusters. The fruit is a small, black drupe.

Uses

Quassia amara has a variety of uses in traditional medicine. It is used as a treatment for malaria, dysentery, and fever. It is also used as a digestive stimulant and an appetite enhancer. The bark and wood of the plant are used to make a bitter tonic, which is used in the treatment of anemia and as a general health tonic.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Quassia amara is also used as an insecticide. The wood and bark of the plant contain a chemical compound called quassin, which is toxic to insects.

Cultivation

Quassia amara is a tropical plant and requires a warm, humid climate to grow. It prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure. The plant is propagated from seeds, which are sown in a nursery and transplanted when they are about a year old.

Conservation

Quassia amara is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, its habitat is being lost due to deforestation and the expansion of agriculture, which could pose a threat to the species in the future.