Hydnocarpus polypetalus
Hydnocarpus polypetalus
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 polypetalus is an evergreen tree usually growing 7 - 20 metres tall, though specimens up to 31 metres have been recorded. The bole can be up to 42cm in diameter[ 451 Title Flora Malesiana Series 1 Publication Author Various Website http://www.archive.org Publisher Nationaal Herbarium Nederiand, Universiteit Leiden branch Year 0 ISBN Description A massive treatment of the plants of the Malaysian Archipelago. Much of it has been made available to download from the Internet , 653 Title Plants of Southeast Asia Publication Author Website http://www.asianplant.net/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Excellent site with brief information on the plant, its range, habitat and uses, plus phots of specimens, close-ops of flowers and leaves etc, ]. The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood.