Overview

Simarouba glauca, commonly known as Paradise Tree or Lakshmi Taru in India, is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to Central and South America. It is also grown in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide for its multipurpose benefits.

Botanical Details

• Family: Simaroubaceae
• Common Names: Paradise Tree, King Oil Tree, Aceituno
• Native Region: Central and South America; cultivated in Asia and Africa.
• Growth: Grows up to 7-15 meters in height, with a straight trunk and a spreading canopy.

Properties

1. Environmental

• Drought-resistant.
• Thrives in poor, degraded, or low-fertility soils.
• Helps in afforestation and controlling soil erosion.

2. Nutritional

• Seeds contain 50-60% edible oil, rich in oleic and linoleic acids.
• Leaves are a source of antioxidants and other phytochemicals.

3. Medicinal

• Contains compounds like quassinoids, known for anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
• Used traditionally for treating gastrointestinal disorders, infections, and skin diseases.

Usage

1. Agriculture and Environment

• Soil Reclamation: Helps reclaim degraded soils.
• Afforestation: Suitable for reforestation projects.
• Shade Tree: Acts as a shade provider for intercropping.

2. Oil Production

• Edible Oil: The oil extracted from the seeds is used in cooking.
• Industrial Applications: Oil is also used in soap making, cosmetics, and biodiesel production.

3. Medicinal Uses

• Treats fever, dysentery, malaria, and other ailments.
• Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties are exploited in traditional medicine.

4. Animal Feed

• Leaves and press cake (residue after oil extraction) are used as livestock feed due to their nutritional content.

5. Bioenergy

• A potential source for biodiesel, contributing to renewable energy initiatives.

Cultivation

• Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with annual rainfall of 500-2000 mm.
• Soil: Adaptable to various soil types but performs best in sandy loam soils.
• Propagation: Primarily through seeds; can also propagate vegetatively.
• Growth Cycle: Begins flowering in 3-4 years; fruits ripen within 6-7 months after flowering.

Ecological Benefits

• Reduces soil erosion and improves soil fertility.
• Acts as a carbon sink, helping mitigate climate change.
• Serves as a habitat for biodiversity.

Economic Benefits

• Provides income for farmers through oilseed harvesting and sale.
• Utilized in sustainable farming systems due to its low input requirements.

Cautions

• Some parts of the plant contain bitter quassinoids that might cause toxicity if consumed inappropriately.
• Oil requires proper refining to ensure safety for consumption.