Status:
valid
Authors:
Planch.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1846
Citation Micro:
London J. Bot. 5: 574 (1846)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000474761
Common Names
- Picrasma excelsa
- Excelsa Picrasma
- Excelsa Picrasma Plant
Synonyms
- Rhus antillana Egg. [unknown]
- Muenteria excelsa Walp. [unknown]
- Picrasma antillana Urb. [unknown]
- Picraena antillana (Eggers) Fawc. & Rendle [unknown]
- Picraena excelsa Lindl. [unknown]
- Picrita fraxinea Schumach. [unknown]
- Simarouba excelsa DC. [unknown]
- Aeschrion antillana Small [unknown]
- Aeschrion excelsa Kuntze [unknown]
- Aeschrion excelsa microcarpa Krug & Urb. [unknown]
- Quassia excelsa Sw. [unknown]
- Quassia pentandra Stokes [unknown]
- Quassia polygama J.Linds. [unknown]
Description
Picrasma excelsa (also called Jamaican quassia, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Picramniaceae. It is a large tree, typically growing to a height of 20–30 m. It is native to tropical regions of Central and South America, and is found in a variety of habitats, such as wet forests, dry forests, and disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Picrasma excelsa is a medicinal plant used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, malaria, and digestive problems. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions and as a tonic. It is also used as a food source, as its leaves and fruits are edible.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Picrasma excelsa has small, white flowers with four petals and yellow stamens. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are small and have a single stem with small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Picrasma excelsa is a fast-growing, evergreen tree that can reach up to 30 feet in height. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. Propagation is usually done by seed, which should be sown in a warm, moist environment. Cuttings can also be taken from mature plants.
Where to Find Picrasma excelsa
Picrasma excelsa is native to Central and South America.
Picrasma excelsa FAQ
What is the scientific name of Picrasma excelsa?
Picrasma excelsa
What is the natural habitat of Picrasma excelsa?
It is found in tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America.
What is the flower color of Picrasma excelsa?
The flowers are yellowish-white in color.
Species in the Picrasma genus
Picrasma excelsa,
Picrasma quassioides,
Picrasma selleana,
Picrasma andamanica,
Picrasma cubensis,
Picrasma mexicana,
Picrasma crenata,
Picrasma javanica,
Picrasma chinensis,
Picrasma tetramera,
Species in the Simaroubaceae family
Ailanthus vietnamensis,
Ailanthus altissima,
Ailanthus excelsus,
Ailanthus fordii,
Ailanthus integrifolia,
Ailanthus triphysa,
Amaroria soulameoides,
Brucea antidysenterica,
Brucea bruceadelpha,
Brucea guineensis,
Brucea javanica,
Brucea macrocarpa,
Brucea mollis,
Brucea tenuifolia,
Brucea tonkinensis,
Brucea trichotoma,
Castela calcicola,
Castela coccinea,
Castela depressa,
Castela emoryi,
Castela erecta,
Castela galapageia,
Castela jacquiniifolia,
Castela leonis,
Castela macrophylla,
Castela peninsularis,
Castela polyandra,
Castela retusa,
Castela spinosa,
Castela stewartii,
Castela tortuosa,
Castela tweediei,
Castela victorinii,
Eurycoma apiculata,
Eurycoma harmandiana,
Eurycoma longifolia,
Gymnostemon zaizou,
Homalolepis salubris,
Homalolepis suaveolens,
Homalolepis subcymosa,
Homalolepis suffruticosa,
Homalolepis tocantina,
Homalolepis warmingiana,
Homalolepis arenaria,
Homalolepis cavalcantei,
Homalolepis cuneata,
Homalolepis docensis,
Homalolepis floribunda,
Homalolepis insignis,
Homalolepis intermedia,