Brucea javanica
Brucea javanica
Safety & Hazards
Many biologically-active compounds are found in this plant, and they are responsible for the plants efficacy in treating medical conditions such as malaria and amoebic dysentery. These compounds are also mildy toxic to the body, though at recommended medicinal doses this herb is considered safe for use, any toxicity being at a similar level to currently accepted pharmaceutical preparations used in treating the same conditions[1].
Cultivation Details
Prefers a well-drained soil and a position in full sun or partial shade[2]. The plant grows rapidly and flowering starts early[3]. However, the life span is only a few years and plants have to be regenerated from seed at regular intervals[3]. Flowering and fruiting can be throughout the year[3]. Plants can be monoecious or dioecious[3].
Propagation
Seed - In a germination test the seed had a germination rate of about 35% within 11 - 273 days[3]. The hard outer coat should be removed before the seed is sown[2]. Cuttings of ripe wood in a sandy soil[2]. Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2026-02-19. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Brucea+javanica>
Pollinators
Insects
References
- [1]Acute Toxicity of Brucea javanica Merril Leaves Extract on Mice — Angelina M. et al · 2012 ↩︎
- [2]Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. — Bown. D. · Dorling Kindersley, London. · 1995 · ISBN 0-7513-020-31 ↩︎A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
- [3]Plant Resources of Southeast Asia — http://proseanet.org/ ↩︎Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia.
- [4]Medicinal Plants in Vietnam — Nguyen Van Dan & Doan Thi Nhu · World Health Organisation · 1989 · ISBN 92 9061 101 4 ↩︎An excellent book, giving information on over 200 plants, their medicinal compounds and applications.
- [5]Dictionary of Economic Plants. — Uphof. J. C. Th. · Weinheim · 1959 · ISBN - ↩︎An excellent and very comprehensive guide but it only gives very short descriptions of the uses without any details of how to utilize the plants. Not for the casual reader.
- [6]Flora of China — Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. · 1994 · http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ ↩︎An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.