Nigaki (Picrasma quassioides, Pl. Jav. Rar.: 198 (1844))

Family: Simaroubaceae

Author: (D.Don) Benn.

Bibliography: Pl. Jav. Rar.: 198 (1844)

Year: 1844

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Picrasma

Vegetable: False

Observations: Himalaya to Temp. E. Asia

Description

Nigaki, known scientifically as Picrasma quassioides, is a notable plant species belonging to the Simaroubaceae family. First detailed in the botanical work “Pl. Jav. Rar.” in 1844, the documentation of this plant dates back to an era when botanical exploration was expanding into new regions. The species has been attributed to the author (D.Don) Benn., acknowledging their contribution to its classification.

Nigaki is naturally distributed across a broad geographical range, extending from the Himalayan regions to the temperate zones of East Asia. This versatility in habitat highlights its adaptability and robustness in varying climatic conditions. The presence of Nigaki in such a wide array of environments underscores its ecological significance and the diverse conditions under which it can thrive.

The Simaroubaceae family, to which Nigaki belongs, is characterized by its members’ distinctive properties and uses. Plants in this family are often recognized for their medicinal and economic value, and Nigaki is no exception. Although specific traditional uses and potential benefits of Picrasma quassioides were not detailed in the provided information, plants in the Simaroubaceae family generally have important roles in traditional medicine and are valued for their unique phytochemical compositions.

Overall, Nigaki’s presence from the Himalayas to temperate East Asia and its classification within the Simaroubaceae family make it a plant of considerable interest both botanically and ecologically. Further exploration and study would likely reveal more about its specific roles and applications within its native habitats and beyond.

Common Names

Eng: nigaki, shurni
En: Nigaki, Shurni

Synonyms

• Picrasma quassioides var. dasycarpa ((Kitag.) S.Z.Liou)
• Nima quassioides (Buch.-Ham. ex A.Juss.)
• Picrasma japonica (A.Gray)
• Picrasma ailanthoides ((Bunge) Planch.)
• Picrasma quassioides var. glabrescens (Pamp.)
• Zwingera quassioides (Spreng.)
• Picrasma quassioides f. glabrescens ((Pamp.) Kitag.)
• Rhus ailanthoides (Bunge)
• Picrasma quassioides f. dasycarpa ((Kitag.) Kitag.)
• Simaba quassioides (D.Don)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Hainan (native)
• Japan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• West Himalaya (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 28, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2021 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 20, 2017 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 20, 2017 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 20, 2017 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 20, 2017 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 24, 2021 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 28, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2021 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 24, 2021 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3190677)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:813963-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Picrasma quassioides (D.Don) Benn.)

Specifications

Growth