Barringtonia asiatica

Barringtonia asiatica, commonly referred to as the sea poison tree or fish killer tree, is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the Lecythidaceae family. Native to coastal regions of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean, this tree is found in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. It can grow up to 25 meters in height, with a trunk diameter reaching up to 1 meter. The leaves of Barringtonia asiatica are large, glossy, and have a leathery texture. They are arranged alternately on the branches. The tree produces white or pinkish flowers, which bloom from May to August. The fruit of Barringtonia asiatica is large, round, and woody, with a diameter of up to 20 cm. It contains numerous seeds that are buoyant, allowing them to float on water. Indigenous people have utilized Barringtonia asiatica for various medicinal purposes for centuries. The bark has been used as an antipyretic (fever-reducing) agent, while the leaves have served as an analgesic (pain-relieving) agent. Additionally, different parts of the plant have been employed traditionally to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, Barringtonia asiatica is not only aesthetically pleasing but also holds significant medicinal value. This makes it an important plant species in traditional medicine practices across Southeast Asia, where it grows abundantly along coastal regions near rivers and estuaries. Its seeds are dispersed by water currents over long distances, making it a resilient species.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Tree

Life Cycle

Perennial

Genus

Barringtonia

Family

Lecythidaceae

Hardiness Zone

10-11

Mature Height

6.1 m to 19.81 m

Mature Spread

6.1 m to 7.92 m

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Evergreen

Flower Color

White

Flower Size

12.70 cm to 15.24 cm

Bloom Time

All year round

Planting Time

Spring, Autumn

Harvest Time

All year round

Native Area

Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Vanuatu, Philippines, Madagascar, Fiji, Brunei, Tanzania, China, Solomon Islands, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Thailand

Tags (5)

Common Names (15)