Barringtonia asiatica (L.) Kurz.
| Kannada Name : | - |
| Common Name : | Sea poison tree, Fish poison tree |
| Family Name : | Lecythidaceae |
| Scientific Name : | Barringtonia asiatica |
| Species Type : | Exotic |
| Phenology : | Evergreen |
| Conservation Status : | Least concern |
| Flowering Period : | None |
| Fruiting Period : | None |
| Origin : | Islands in Indian and Pacific ocean |
Uses
A decoction of the leaves is used to treat hernia. The leaves are heated and externally applied for stomach-ache. Fresh leaves are applied topically to bring relief from rheumatism and to treat sores. The toxic seeds are employed as a vermifuge.
Description
Small to medium-sized tree, 7–20 m tall. Bark fissured. Leaves simple, obovate to obovate-oblong, 20–40 cm in length and 10–20 cm in width, coriaceous, glabrous, base cuneate, apex obtuse or broadly rounded, margin entire. Inflorescence a terminal raceme. Flowers large, fragrant, petals white, stamens numerous, white coloured and red tipped. Fruit broadly pyramidal, smooth, 9-11 cm with spongy and fibrous pericarp. Seed 4-5 cm.
