Hydnocarpus octandra
Hydnocarpus octandra
Safety & Hazards
Although we have seen no specific information for this species, the seeds of many members of this genus contain cyanogetic glycosides[ 218 Title Medicinal Plants of China Publication Author Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Publisher Reference Publications, Inc. Year 1985 ISBN 0-917256-20-4 Description Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject. , 310 Title Plant Resources of Southeast Asia Publication Author Website http://proseanet.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia. ]. In very small quantities this has been used medicinally, having been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.
Botanical Description
Hydnocarpus octandrus is an evergreen tree that can grow 12 - 15 metres tall[ 464 Title A Handbook to the Flora of Ceylon Publication Author Trimen H.; continued by Hooker J.D. Website http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org Publisher Dulau and Co; London. Year 1898 ISBN Description Very dated, but still a useful work. It can be downloaded from the Internet. ]. The tree is harvested from the wild for medicinal use. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].