Simarouba glauca
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Sapindales
Family:	Simaroubaceae
Genus:	Simarouba
Species:	S. glauca
Binomial name
Simarouba glauca DC., 1811[2]

Simarouba glauca is a flowering tree that is native to Florida, South America, and the Caribbean. Common names include paradise-tree, dysentery-bark, and bitterwood. The tree is well suited for warm, humid, tropical regions. Its cultivation depends on rainfall distribution, water holding capacity of the soil, and sub-soil moisture. It is suited for temperature range of 10 to 40 °C (50 to 104 °F), and can grow at elevations from sea level to 1,000 m (3,300 ft). It grows 40 to 50 ft (12 to 15 m) tall and has a span of 25 to 30 ft (7.6 to 9.1 m). It bears yellow flowers and purple elongated oval fleshy fruits.^{[not verified in body]}

It can be propagated from seeds, grafting, and tissue culture technology. Fruits are collected in April and May, when they are ripe, and then dried in sun for about a week. Skin is separated, and seeds are grown in plastic bags to produce saplings. Saplings 2 to 3 months old can be transplanted to a plantation.

The wood is generally insect resistant and is used in the preparation of quality furniture, toys, matches, and as pulp (in paper making). It also can be used for industrial purposes in the manufacture of biofuel, soaps, detergents, lubricants, varnishes, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.^[3]

Though there is some research^[4] claiming that Simarouba is effective for treating certain diseases, there seems to be insufficient evidence^[5] of curing diarrhea, malaria, edema, fever, and stomach upset. Known in India as Lakshmi Taru, the extracts from parts of the tree have been claimed to possess potent anticancer properties. However, to date, no systematic research using phytochemicals isolated from Simarouba glauca has been carried out to explore the molecular mechanisms leading to cancer cell death.^{[citation needed]} Simarouba extracts are known to be effective only on specific types of human cancer cell lines and tests conducted were in vitro. Whether the same effect would be observed under in vivo conditions, depends on bioavailability and bioaccessibility;^{[citation needed]} hence, Simarouba as an alternative cure for cancer remains unproven.

The tree forms a well-developed root system and dense evergreen canopy that efficiently checks soil erosion, supports soil microbial life, and improves groundwater position. Besides converting solar energy into biochemical energy yearround, it checks overheating of the soil surface, particularly during summer. Large-scale planting in wastelands facilitates wasteland reclamation, converts the accumulated atmospheric carbon dioxide into oxygen, and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse effect or global warming.

• Bitter wood
• Quassia amara
• Picrasma excelsa

Media related to Simarouba glauca at Wikimedia Commons