The most popular member of this family is the Chinese Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), known so for the great height (30m or more) the plant reaches.
Some of the characteristics of Simaroubaceae plants include:
Members are mostly evergreen or deciduous trees and shrubs with the tropical members generally evergreen.
Leaves: The leaves of Simaroubaceae plants are usually alternate and spirally arranged. They are glabrous and lack stipules. The leaves may be simple or compound. When compound they are pinnate or bipinnate with opposite leaflets. Leaves and bark have a strong, bitter taste.
Flowers: The flowers are usually small and inconspicuous, with 4-5 petals and sepals. and the same or double the number of stamens. The flowers may be bisexual or unisexual, with male and female flowers produced on the same or separate trees. Male flowers have a foetid smell.
Fruit: The fruit of Simaroubaceae plants may be either a capsule or a samara. Sometimes a berry or a drupe with one seed. per fruit.
Habitat: Simaroubaceae plants are found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, savannas, and deserts.
ЁЯМ▓In Singapore, the species of Simaroubaceae plants that can be found is the Ailanthus triphysa, also known as the "Siam tree". It is a tall tree, reaching up to 30 meters in height, with pinnate leaves and small, greenish-yellow flowers. It is commonly found in urban areas and along roadsides in Singapore.
Another species that can be found is the Simarouba glauca, also known as "Paradise tree". It is a medium-sized tree, reaching up to 25 meters in height, with bipinnate leaves and small, white flowers. It is a rare species in Singapore and can be found in a few areas, including the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Another member of this family that is popular in the South East Asia is the Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia). This tree has a palm like appearance with a crown of long pinnate leaves atop a slender trunk. The young leaves of this are eaten raw to relieve stomach pains. The roots are used as an aphrodisiac based mostly on folklore, and they also contain anti-malarial compounds. A decoction of the root is used to reduce fevers, reduce high blood pressure, and relieve gastric pains. The roots are also used to induce vomiting, and poultice sores, ulcers, and wounds. The bark is used for blood clotting in childbirth complications.
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