Simarouba amara, commonly known as Paradisetree, is an evergreen tree native to tropical rainforests and seasonally dry forests in Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. It is a species that undergoes a leaf exchange once a year, typically between January and April. Paradisetree can grow to heights of up to 35 meters with a trunk diameter of up to 125 cm. It has a relatively short lifespan for a tree, with a maximum estimated age of 121 years. The tree’s canopy is open and irregular, with light green, pinnate leaves that provide dappled shade. Its small, inconspicuous yellow flowers bloom during the dry season in February and March in Panama, and from March to July in areas without a distinct dry season, like Costa Rica. The flowers are followed by clusters of small, black fruits that are an important food source for birds and other wildlife.

Paradisetree is valued for its rapid growth and adaptability to a range of light conditions, although it thrives best in full sun. It is not commonly cultivated outside its native range but can be used in reforestation projects and as a shade tree in tropical landscapes. It requires medium to high amounts of water and can tolerate a variety of soil drainage conditions, from slow to fast. While not typically used in urban planting, it can be an attractive addition to large gardens or parks in tropical regions. Care should be taken when planting near buildings or other structures, as its roots can be aggressive.CC BY-SA 4.0