Hydnocarpus woodii

Merr.

Achariaceae Edible: Fruit ? 1 iNaturalist observations

gbif· cc-by

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

gbif· cc-by

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

gbif· cc-by

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Description

A tropical tree in the Achariaceae family.

This description is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The oil-rich seeds contain high concentrations of the cyclopentenyl fatty acid chaulmoogric acid and hydnocarpic acid. These are the most medically active components in chaulmoogra oil (obtained from various Hydnocarpus species) and commonly used in the treatment of a wide range of skin problems, including leprosy.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, SE Asia,

Cultivation

Species in this genus generally require well-drained sandy or loamy silt soils and grow best along creek beds or on the banks of streams. Seeds tend to go rancid rather quickly. Therefore ripe fruits should be opened and the fruit pulp and aril removed from the seeds. Seeds are then washed and dried in the sun. Sun-dried seeds, either whole or broken, are cold-pressed or pressed under concurrent heating to extract the oil. The chemical composition of the end-product of these methods varies. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, when it will usually germinate quickly. Germination of stored seed can be slow, with some species in the genus taking up to 2 years. Sow the seed in a shaded position in a nursery seedbed and keep moist. Grow on the seedlings in shade until large enough to plant out.

Other Uses

The pale-brown wood is close-textured. It is not used. When it attains suitable dimensions, the wood of species in this genus is often used locally for house building (poles), temporary heavy construction, posts, fences, interior finishing, panelling and door and window frames.