Nigaki (Picrasma quassioides)

Family: Simaroubaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Picrasma quassioides is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 7 m (23ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit. Small and red. The fruit is a berry about 7mm in diameter. Young buds (the report does not say if they are flower or leaf buds) are used to make a tea. — The fruit is a berry about 7mm in diameter.; Young buds (the report does not say if they are flower or leaf buds) are used to make a tea.; A bitter substance called quassin' is extracted from (the bark of?) the tree and can be used as a hop substitute in brewing beer.

Habitat & North American Range

Lowland woods and hills. Forests in the higher hills of the W. Himalayas, in ravines under forests of deodar, oak, fir etc, 1800 - 2400 metres. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)