🌿 Identification Guide

How to Identify Simaroubaceae

18 species · Plantae · Order Sapindales

Simaroubaceae is a plant family in the Plantae kingdom, order Sapindales, class Magnoliopsida. The family contains 18 accepted species worldwide.

Key Identification Features

Its leaves are alternate, pinnate, dark green, polished, deeply veined, 15–25 cm long, and have 3–5 leaflets; they are distinct for their broadly winged leaf rachis (axis) and reddish veins.
Leaves are pinnate, and individual leaflets are curved, sickle-shaped (falcate), taper to a point, and are distinctly oblique and very unequal-sided at the base.
It has visible but indistinct growth rings that average 7 mm wide.
All parts of the plant have a distinct strong odor often compared to peanuts, cashews, or rotting cashews.

For instant identification in the field, use the iNature app — AI-powered, works offline.

Representative Simaroubaceae Species

Quassia amara L.

Quassia amara L. is a neotropical understorey small tree/shrub used in food flav…

Samadera indica Gaertn.

Samadera indica Gaertn. is an evergreen tree/shrub native to the Old World tropi…

Brucea javanica (L.) Merr.

Brucea javanica is a bitter monoecious shrub or small tree native to South, East…

Simarouba glauca DC.

Simarouba glauca is a flowering tree native to Florida, South America, and the C…

Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.

Ailanthus excelsa is a large deciduous tree from India and Sri Lanka with medici…

Ailanthus triphysa (Dennst.) Alston

Ailanthus triphysa is an evergreen tree with a wide distribution across Asia and…

Eurycoma longifolia Jack

Eurycoma longifolia Jack is a medium shrub native to Southeast Asian lowland for…

Simarouba amara Aubl.

Simarouba amara Aubl. is a Neotropical evergreen tree used in herbal medicine wi…

Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle

Ailanthus altissima, or tree of heaven, is a fast-growing dioecious tree native …

Browse all 18 Simaroubaceae species →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you identify Simaroubaceae?

Simaroubaceae plants belong to the Sapindales order in the Plantae kingdom. Its leaves are alternate, pinnate, dark green, polished, deeply veined, 15–25 cm long, and have 3–5 leaflets; they are distinct for their broadly winged leaf rachis (axis) and reddish veins. For instant identification, use the iNature app — AI-powered and works offline.

What are the key characteristics of Simaroubaceae?

Simaroubaceae is classified in the order Sapindales, class Magnoliopsida, phylum Tracheophyta. Leaves are pinnate, and individual leaflets are curved, sickle-shaped (falcate), taper to a point, and are distinctly oblique and very unequal-sided at the base.

Sources: GBIF, iNaturalist, Wikipedia · Disclaimer

Start Exploring Nature Today

Download iNature for free. 10 identifications on us. No account needed. No credit card required.

Download Free on App Store