Simarouba glauca
 
Common Names Paradise Tree, Dysentery Bark, Bitterwood
 
Zones 10B–11 (outdoors); Zone 9B+ with protection
 
Simarouba glauca is a tropical evergreen tree native to Florida, the Caribbean, southern Mexico, and Central America. Known for its upright form, glossy compound leaves, and edible purple fruits, it’s valued both as a shade tree and for its ecological benefits. The species is also used in reforestation and wasteland reclamation due to its deep root system and dense canopy, which help prevent erosion and improve soil health2.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright; rounded crown; moderate growth rate
Height: 40–50 ft. tall; 25–30 ft. wide
Trunk: Single trunk; smooth bark aging to rough gray
Leaves: Even-pinnately compound; 10–14 leathery leaflets; reddish when young, dark green at maturity
Inflorescence: Small yellow to creamy white flowers; axillary and terminal panicles; bloom in late winter to spring
Fruit: 1-inch oval fleshy drupe; green turning dark purple; ripens in early summer; attracts birds
Ecology: Native to coastal hammocks and tropical lowlands; supports pollinators and wildlife; used in erosion control and carbon sequestration3
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade
Watering: Moderate; tolerates short dry periods
Soil: Clay, loam, or sand; broadly pH tolerant
Temperature: 50–104°F (10–40°C); frost-sensitive
Humidity: Prefers humid conditions; not saltwater tolerant
Propagation: Seeds, grafting, or tissue culture; best planted fresh
Tolerance: Moderate salt spray tolerance; shallow roots may disrupt pavement
 
Landscape Use Ideal for specimen planting, highway medians, and large tropical gardens. Not recommended near sidewalks or driveways due to surface roots. Pairs well with Bursera simaruba, Cordia sebestena, and Tabebuia aurea for coastal or subtropical compositions.