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Barringtonia racemosa
Scientific Name: Barringtonia racemosa
Family: Lecythidaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Barringtonia racemosa: The Powder-Puff Tree
Barringtonia racemosa, commonly known as the powder-puff tree, is a fascinating species with a variety of uses and interesting characteristics. It is also known by several other common names, including Afrikaans (pooeierkwasboom), Zulu (Iboqo), Malay (Putat), brack-water mangrove, common putat, freshwater mangrove, fish-killer tree, fish-poison tree, fish-poison wood, and small-leaved barringtonia.
Considerations for Pets
Barringtonia racemosa is also known as Fish-killer tree and Fish-poison tree. Its fruits are noted to contain sapogenins. These characteristics should be considered if you have pets that may ingest plant material.
Considerations for Children
The plant is known as Fish-killer tree and Fish-poison tree. This historical use of the plant is noteworthy for homes with small children.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Barringtonia racemosa (L.) Spreng.
- Family: Lecythidaceae
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Synonyms:
- Barringtonia insignis Miq.
- Barringtonia pallida (Miers) Koord. & Valeton
- Barringtonia apiculata (Miers) R.Knuth
- Barringtonia caffra (Miers) E.Mey. ex R. Knuth
- Barringtonia celebesensis R.Knuth
- Barringtonia ceramensis R.Knuth
- Eugenia racemosa L.
- Barringtonia ceylanica (Miers) Gardner ex C. B. Clarke
- B. elongata Korthals
- B. timorensis Blume
- Butonica racemosa (L.) Juss.
- Caryophyllus racemosus (L.) Stokes
- Other combinations for Eugenia racemosa L.: Barringtonia racemosa (L.) Blume ex DC., Butonica racemosa (L.) Juss., Caryophyllus racemosus (L.) Stokes
Distribution and Habitat
Barringtonia racemosa is widely distributed in coastal areas, including:
- Eastern Africa (from Somalia to South Africa)
- Madagascar and other Indian Ocean islands
- West Coast of India
- Sundarbans (Bangladesh and India)
- Assam
- Andaman Islands
- Malaysia
- Australia
It is a mangrove associate found in coastal communities.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Typically a small tree, usually 4-8 meters tall, but can occasionally reach 15-20 meters or even up to 50 feet.
- Has a straight, unbranched stem that leads to a rounded crown.
- Features hanging garlands of pretty pink fluffy flowers.
Ecological Role
- Barringtonia racemosa is a type of mangrove plant.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The plant's floral volatiles have been monitored during its nocturnal flowering.
- It has been recognized as a molluscicidal plant.
- The extracts of leaves, sticks, and barks have been investigated for antifungal activity against Fusarium.
Traditional and Medicinal Uses
- Widely used in traditional medicine for anti-inflammation and anticancer purposes.
- Used medicinally in the treatment of diarrhea, asthma, coughs, and jaundice.
- Historically known as a "fish poison tree."
Quirky Facts
- Barringtonia racemosa is a nocturnal flowering plant.
- The species name "racemosa" refers to the "raceme or bunch" of its fruits.
- A specimen was donated to Kew Gardens by the Livingstone Expedition in 1858.
Further Information
- Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service
- Australian Plant Census
- Plants of Guam by Philip H. Moore and Patrick D. McMakin on the University of Guam