Quassia

Family: Simaroubaceae

This genus of about 35 species of trees and shrubs is from tropical America, Africa and Southeast Asia, and, unlikely to be available outside these countries. In their native areas, the trees have many uses, but only one species is widely known. Medicinal oils and insecticides are extracted from many of the species. Although they have ornamental value, with very showy flowers, they are most often planted for practical purposes.

Species

Q. amara, bitterwood or Surinam quassia, is an evergreen shrub to small tree, growing 8-10 m (26-33 ft) high. The compound leaves, consisting of several leaflets, grow to about 25 cm (10 in) in length. Flowers are showy and bright scarlet. Its wood is the source of the bitter drug, quassia.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow as a foliage plant in a warm greenhouse or conservatory, in a large pot of soil-based potting compost. Outdoors, plant in full sun in deep, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Give ample water during the spring and summer. Propagate from seed, germinated in a heated propagating case.