Picrasma

Picrasma is a genus of flowering plants in the family Simaroubaceae. The group comprises several species of woody plants ranging from shrubs to small trees. They are native to tropical regions, with species described from parts of Central and South America as well as Africa and Asia. Leaves are typically pinnate; flowers are small and inconspicuous, borne in loose inflorescences; fruits are drupes or capsules depending on the species.

Picrasma species grow in a variety of tropical habitats, from lowland forests to montane thickets. They are typically shade-tolerant undergrowth or canopy associates and tend to prefer well-drained soils. Like many members of Simaroubaceae, they produce bitter-tasting compounds that have been studied for possible medicinal and insect-repellent properties.

Historically, Picrasma has been used in traditional medicine and as a source of bitter tonics in some cultures. The chemical constituents include quassinoids, a class of diterpenoids common to the family, which contribute to the characteristic bitterness. Modern pharmacological information is limited and varies by species, and some members are primarily of botanical interest.

Taxonomy and species diversity within the genus are not fully settled in all classifications; the genus is generally recognized as distinct within Simaroubaceae, and several species have been described. Ongoing taxonomic work continues to clarify relationships with related genera and the geographic distribution of individual species.