SafePlants

Barringtonia

Barringtonia is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Lecythidaceae. The genus was first described in 1775.

Considerations for Pets

• Several species of Barringtonia, such as Barringtonia asiatica, are known as "Fish Poison Tree" or "Fish-Killer Tree," implying a substance potentially harmful to aquatic life and perhaps other animals.
• Barringtonia asiatica is known to have buoyant fruits.

Considerations for Children

• Some species of Barringtonia, like Barringtonia asiatica, have been traditionally used for their "ichthyotoxic properties".

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Barringtonia
• Common Names:
  • Fish Poison Tree
  • Sea Poison Tree
  • Putat
  • Fish-Killer Tree
  • Box Fruit

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Lecythidaceae (Brazil Nut family)
• Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)
• Synonyms:
  • Agasta asiatica (L.) Miers.
  • Agasta indica Miers.
  • Agasta splendida Miers.
  • Barringtonia butonica J.R.Forst. &amp G.Forst.
  • Barringtonia levequii Jard.
  • Barringtonia littorea Oken

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Africa and southern Asia.
• Barringtonia asiatica is native to mangrove habitats on tropical coasts and islands.
• Barringtonia acutangula is native to coastal wetlands in southern Asia and northern Australasia, ranging from Afghanistan eastwards.

Ecological Role

• Some Barringtonia species are mangrove plants.
• Barringtonia asiatica fruits are buoyant, aiding in seed dispersal via water.

Morphological Characteristics

• Barringtonia asiatica is a large tree that grows on sandy and rocky shores and has large waxy leaves.
• Barringtonia racemosa is usually a small tree, typically 4-8 meters in height, but can occasionally reach 15 meters. It has a straight, unbranched stem leading to a rounded crown.
• The flowers of Barringtonia are often nocturnal, sweet-scented, borne in spikes, and sometimes cauliflorous.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The flowers of Barringtonia open at night and attract large moths, including the Atlas Moth, and nectar-feeding bats.

Quirky Facts

• Barringtonia asiatica is known as the "Box Fruit" due to the shape of its fruit.
• The scientific name of Barringtonia asiatica implies its origin or "original origin."