Bharangi
Picrasma quassioides

Family: Simaroubaceae

What it is like

A scrambling shrub or tree. It grows 8 m high and spreads 8 m wide. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are divided into leaflets along the stalk. The leaflets are opposite and have sharp teeth. They turn yellow to orange in autumn. The flowers are small and pale green. They are in loose clusters. The fruit are berry like. They are small and red.

There are 6 Picrasma species in the Americas and 6 in Asia.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It needs a well-drained soil. It can grow in sun or light shade. In Pakistan it grows in mountains in mixed forest between 1,400-3,200 m altitude. It suits hardiness zones 3-9. Burnie Rhodo Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Japan, Korea, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tasmania, Tibet

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten. The young buds are used to make tea. A bitter extract from the tree is used as a hop substitute for brewing beer

Edible parts

Fruit, buds - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Bhurungi, Charangi, Dieng-kchlang, Hala, Karwi, Kashshing, Nigaki, Puthorin, Shama-baringi, Tithu

Synonyms

Nima quassioides Buch. Ham. ex A. Jussieu; Picrasma ailanthoides; Simaba quassioides D. Don;