Simarouba glauca, commonly known as paradise tree, aceituno, or bitterwood, is a tropical tree species native to the Americas. Here are some key points about Simarouba glauca:
Distribution: Simarouba glauca is native to tropical regions of the Americas, including parts of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. It thrives in warm climates with well-drained soil.
Appearance: This tree is typically medium to large-sized, reaching heights of up to 30 meters (approximately 100 feet). It has a straight trunk and a dense, rounded crown with glossy green leaves that are lanceolate or oblong in shape. The leaves emit a strong bitter odor when crushed.
Fruit: The tree produces small, round fruits that start off green and turn yellow or orange as they ripen. These fruits contain seeds surrounded by a fleshy pulp. Although not commonly consumed by humans, the fruits may be eaten by birds and other wildlife.
Wood: Simarouba glauca wood is highly valued for its strength, durability, and resistance to decay. It is used in various applications, including construction, furniture making, and boat building. The wood is also used as fuel.
Medicinal Uses: Various parts of the Simarouba glauca tree, including the bark, leaves, and seeds, have been used in traditional medicine for their medicinal properties. Extracts from the tree have been studied for their potential as antimalarial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory agents.
Oil: The seeds of Simarouba glauca contain oil that is rich in fatty acids, including oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid. This oil, known as Simarouba oil or paradise tree oil, has garnered interest as a potential biodiesel feedstock due to its high yield and favorable fuel properties.
Overall, Simarouba glauca is a valuable tree species with ecological, economic, and medicinal significance in the regions where it occurs. Its wood, oil, and medicinal properties make it an important resource for local communities and industries.