Bitterwood (Simarouba amara, Hist. Pl. Guiane: 860 (1775))

Family: Simaroubaceae

Author: Aubl.

Bibliography: Hist. Pl. Guiane: 860 (1775)

Year: 1775

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Simarouba

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

Bitterwood, known scientifically as Simarouba amara, is a noteworthy plant species that commands attention for its various characteristics and geographic distribution. This plant was first described in 1775 in the monumental work Histoire des Plantes de la Guiane Françoise, specifically on page 860, by the esteemed botanist Jean Baptiste Christophe Fusée Aublet.

A key member of the Simaroubaceae family, Bitterwood thrives across a wide range stretching from Mexico through tropical regions of the Americas. This broad habitat range showcases the plant’s adaptability to diverse tropical environments. Often found in lush, verdant forests, Simarouba amara contributes significantly to the ecosystems of these regions.

Bitterwood has long been valued both for its ecological and its medicinal properties. Traditional applications of the plant in various cultures underscore its role in ethnobotany. Its bark and leaves have been utilized for their therapeutic potential, often employed in treatments intended to address ailments ranging from digestive disorders to infections. The bitter compounds within the plant have been identified as key components of its medicinal efficacy, offering a natural source of relief for a range of issues.

Additionally, Bitterwood demonstrates a notable resilience and capacity for growth, making it a plant of interest not only to those focused on natural medicine but also to conservationists and ecologists. Its ability to withstand varying tropical conditions without significant detriment to its growth or health is a testament to its evolutionary adaptation and ecological significance.

In conclusion, Simarouba amara, or Bitterwood, stands as a fascinating subject within both botanical and ecological studies. Its widespread presence from Mexico through tropical America and its inclusion in the Simaroubaceae family highlight its importance and versatility. The historical documentation by Aubl. in the 18th century continues to be a cornerstone of our understanding of this plant, emphasizing the enduring relevance of historical botanical works in contemporary scientific research.

Common Names

Por: amarelinho, marupá, marupá-preto
Eng: bitterwood
Fra: bois blanc
Spa: maruba, marupa
En: Bitterwood
Fr: Bois blanc, Simarouba
Hi: लक्ष्मी तरु
Ml: ലക്ഷ്മിതരു
Pt: Amarelinho, Marupá preto, Marupá, Marupá-preto
Pt-br: Caixeta, Arubá, Marupá, Marupá-verdadeiro, Simaruba
Es: Maruba, Marupa, Aceituno

Synonyms

• Zwingera amara ((Aubl.) Willd.)
• Pistacia americana (Mill.)
• Simarouba amara var. opaca (Engl.)
• Simarouba amara var. typica (Cronquist)
• Simarouba amara var. puberula (Cuatrec.)
• Simarouba opaca ((Engl.) Radlk. ex F.Boas)
• Quassia simarouba (W.Wright)
• Quassia dioica (P.J.Bergius)
• Quassia alatifolia (Stokes)
• Quassia officinalis (Rich.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Southwest Caribbean (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Sep 1, 2001 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Guy Van Laere (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O.Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 15, 2013 by J.-L. Smock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2013 by D. Frame (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2013 by D. Frame (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2013 by D. Frame (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2013 by D. Frame (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 7, 2022 by Hemanth Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2021 by Alguera Joselyn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Sietse Rook (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 22, 2022 by Yathish Rao (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2022 by Dr Scholz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7720664)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:814124-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Simarouba amara Aubl.)

Specifications

Growth