Amara Simarouba
simarouba amara
Also known as: ["Amara Bark","White Simarouba"]
Overview
A tropical tree species native to Central and South America, known for its medicinal bark and timber.
Benefits & Perks
["medicinal use","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Simaroubaceae |
| Genus: | Simarouba |
| Botanical Name: | Simarouba amara |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in tropical or subtropical regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil with organic matter; a mix of loam, sand, and compost works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to remove dead/damaged growth; light pruning can be done anytime.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning unless required.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun to avoid scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; monitor for leaf burn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, fertile loam with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 5.5–7.0.
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures, 20–30°C (68–86°F); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in tropical conditions.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options for slow release.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or a standard cactus/succulent mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment may take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction; remove crossing or inward-growing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or diseased growth, and encourage bushier growth; focus on maintaining health and aesthetics.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy or active growth; remove dead/diseased parts; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for root health and growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil mix.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation; water early in the morning to reduce evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, or wilting in cold; scorching or stunted growth in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback; vulnerable to frost damage in temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Solution: Move to a sheltered location; provide frost protection; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; growth may slow due to excessive heat and water loss.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicSimarouba amara is toxic to cats, particularly the seeds and bark, which contain compounds that can induce severe gastrointestinal and systemic toxicity. Cats are particularly sensitive to these compounds, which can cause significant distress and potential organ damage.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe seeds and bark of Simarouba amara are toxic to dogs, containing compounds that can lead to significant gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity. The alkaloids present can cause adverse effects on the digestive and nervous systems.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSimarouba amara contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other mild systemic effects when ingested. The seeds and bark are the primary toxic parts, containing alkaloids and other bioactive compounds that may interfere with normal physiological processes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Simarouba amara used for?
A: It is primarily used for its medicinal bark, which has been traditionally employed to treat dysentery and other ailments.
Q: Is Simarouba amara toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets; it is recommended to keep pets away from the plant.
Q: How tall does Simarouba amara grow?
A: It can grow up to 30 meters tall in its natural habitat.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Simaroubaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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