Barringtonia acutangula

Barringtonia acutangula is a species of Barringtonia native to coastal wetlands in southern Asia and northern Australasia, from Afghanistan east to the Philippines, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Description

Barringtonia acutangula is a small to medium-sized tree growing to 30 m tall. The leaves are narrow oblong to oblong-lanceolate, 9–21 cm long and 4–6 cm broad, with a cuneate base and an acutely pointed tip. The flowers are produced in racemes 20–40 cm long, each flower 4–5 cm diameter with four white petals and numerous stamens. The fruit is a small red berry 5–7 mm diameter.

Distribution and habitat

Barringtonia acutangula is found in a variety of coastal wetland habitats: freshwater wetlands, riverbanks, and tidal reaches and estuaries. It is also found in dry river beds, freshwater swamps, and tidal creeks, often in pure stands. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, and can also tolerate brief periods of cold.

Uses

The wood of Barringtonia acutangula is used for construction and furniture making. The bark is used in traditional medicine for treatment of dysentery and diarrhea. The fruit and seeds are also used in some traditional medicines.

Conservation

While not currently considered threatened, Barringtonia acutangula is potentially at risk from habitat loss due to coastal development and conversion of wetlands to agriculture.

See also

• List of Barringtonia species

References

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