Barringtonia acutangula
(L.) Gaertn.
Indian oak, Red Barringtonia
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Summary
Source: WikipediaBarringtonia acutangula is a species of Barringtonia native to coastal wetlands in southern Asia and northern Australasia, from Afghanistan east to the Philippines, Queensland and the Northern Territory. Common names include freshwater mangrove, itchytree and mango-pine.
Description
A small tree. It grows 4-15 m tall. The trunk can be 40-80 cm across. It can have several stems. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are broad and sword shaped. They taper to the base. They are bright green. The edges sometimes have small teeth. They are 4-14 cm long by 2-4.5 cm wide. The flowers are bright red. They are in heads 30 cm long. These hang downwards. The fruit are green and 4 angled. They are woody and 3.5 cm long. There is one seed and it has a groove.
Edible Uses
The leaves, flowers, and fruit are edible.
Medicinal Uses
Research on this plant has reported a number of medicinal uses, including antitumor (seed extract), antibiotic, inhibition of growth of Helicobacter pylori, antinociceptive activity and antifungal activity. The 1889 book 'The Useful Native Plants of Australia' records that "In India an extract or juice is obtained from the leaves of this tree which, when mixed with oil, is used in native [sic.] practice for eruptions of the skin. The kernels powdered and prepared with sago and butter, are used in diarrhoea; mixed with milk they produce vomiting (Treasury of Botany). The root is bitter, and is said to be similar to Cinchona, but also cooling and aperient. (Drury)."
Known Hazards
The bark is used to intoxicate fish.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows in moist places along rivers. It needs light and humidity. It grows near lakes and can grow in brackish water. It suits humid shady places. It is damaged by drought and frost. It occasionally grows up to 400 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 11-12.
Where It Grows
Riverbanks, swampy sites or rocky or sandy shores; at elevations from sea level to 400 metres.
Cultivation
Prefers a permanently moist but well-drained soil and a position in full sun. Particularly suited to humid, shady situations.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a position in full light. About 90% of fresh seed germinates. Cuttings of half-ripe wood.
Other Uses
The bark is a source of tannins. The heartwood is light pinkish to reddish-grey, or in some cases nearly white towards the outside of the log; it is not distinctly demarcated from the sapwood. Texture is medium to fine, the grain straight, the wood lustrous, with a smooth feel. The wood is light in weight, soft and fairly durable. It is easy to saw, works well by hand and on machine, and finishes to a dull smooth surface. If cut on the quarter it presents a noticeable silver grain, which should be taken advantage of in cabinet work, as it apparently does not warp much if so cut. It is used for boatbuilding, well construction, rice pounders, cabinet work, and carts. The wood turns black if buried in mud. Trees are planted as a windbreak. The flowers produce copious nectar and attract bees, who produce a good honey from it.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Barrenka, Chiec, Chik na, Chik num, Freshwater Mangrove, Hijal, Himbabalod, Hole kauva, Ingar, Ipil, Itchy Tree, Jiig, Kadapa, Kadon naam, Kandu almond, Kra don, Kyi, Kyi-ni, Lik vung, Loc vung, Mai chik, Neerpezhu, Pak kradon nam, Pangpanik, Phak kadon naam, Piwar, Poetat, Pooy-sai, Putat lembik, Putat nasi, Putat tayap, Putat, Raing toek, Reang toek, Stream Barringtonia, Ye-kyi
References (47)
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