SafePlants

Buchanania: An Overview

The genus Buchanania belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. Several species within this genus are known for their edible seeds and traditional uses.

Considerations for Pets

• The seeds of some Buchanania species, like Buchanania lanzan, are used as a cooking spice. While the text doesn't specify toxicity, it's always best to exercise caution and prevent pets from ingesting large quantities of any spice or plant part they aren't used to, as unknown reactions can occur.

Considerations for Children

• The fruits of some species are described as being the "size of a small cherry." Small fruits can present a choking hazard for young children and should be kept out of reach.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Buchanania Spreng.
• Family: Anacardiaceae (Cashew family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms: Buchanania cochinchinensis (L.) Almeida (for Buchanania lanzan)

Common Names

• Chirauli-nut
• Little gooseberry tree
• Green plum
• Wild plum
• Chironji Tree
• Almondette
• Calumpong nut
• Cheronjee
• Cuddapah almond
• Char (Hindi: &#2330&#2366&#2352)
• Chironji (Hindi: &#2330&#2367&#2352&#2379&#2306&#2332&#2368)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to India and Malaysia (e.g., Buchanania latifolia)
• Monsoon forests of northern Australia, south-east Asia, and the Solomon Islands (e.g., Buchanania arborescens)
• Northern Australia (e.g., Buchanania obovata)

Morphological Characteristics

• Can be a small, slender tree (e.g., Buchanania arborescens)
• Can be a small to medium-sized understorey tree (e.g., Buchanania obovata)
• Some species can grow into medium-sized, nearly evergreen trees reaching 13-18 meters in height.
• Fruit is a drupe, ovoid-reniform, and about the size of a small cherry (Buchanania lanzan).

Uses and Properties

• The seeds of Buchanania lanzan (charoli or chironji) are almond-flavored and used as a cooking spice.
• Chironji oil, extracted from the dried seeds, is also used.
• Buchanania lanzan has a long history of traditional medicinal use.
• The wood of some species is highly valued.

Ecological Information

• Buchanania lanzan is listed as a vulnerable medicinal plant in the Red Data Book.

Quirky Facts

• The name *Buchanania arborescens* means "tree-like" in Latin.

Further Information

• USDA NRCS PLANTS Database
• TROPICOS
• WoRMS (World Register of Marine Species) - though note this may be related to a homonym of the name.