quassia family
Noun: 1. A taxonomic family of flowering plants, primarily tropical trees and shrubs, characterized by having bitter bark and dry, usually one-seeded, winged fruits. This family is now often treated as part of the larger Simaroubaceae family.
The term "quassia family" is a common name used in botany and horticulture to refer to this specific plant family. It is used in formal and informal contexts when discussing plant classification, characteristics, or medicinal uses derived from the bitter compounds in the bark. * The tree's medicinal properties are well-documented, as it belongs to the quassia family. * Botanists study the quassia family for its unique bitter principles.
- The name "quassia family" is derived from the genus , which was named after Graman Quassi, an 18th-century Surinamese healer who used the bark medicinally.
- In modern taxonomic systems, the group historically called the "quassia family" (Simaroubaceae) has been revised, with some genera moved to other families.
- Simaroubaceae: The scientific, Latin name for the plant family that includes the quassia genus and its relatives. This is the more precise and commonly used term in scientific literature.
- Quassia: The namesake genus within this family, known for species like , whose bark is a source of bitter tonic.
- Simaroubaceae (scientific synonym)
The term "quassia family" has a single, specific meaning in botany. It does not have other common definitions outside of plant taxonomy.
- chiefly tropical trees and shrubs with bitter bark having dry usually one-seeded winged fruit