Achariaceae FAMILY

Hydnocarpus alpinus

Edibility

0/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & Hazards

Although we have seen no specific information for this species, the seeds of many members of this genus contain cyanogenic glycosides[ 218 Title Medicinal Plants of China Publication Author Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Publisher Reference Publications, Inc. Year 1985 ISBN 0-917256-20-4 Description Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject. , 310 Title Plant Resources of Southeast Asia Publication Author Website http://proseanet.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia. ]. In very small quantities this has been used medicinally, having been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Botanical Description

Hydnocarpus alpinus is an evergreen tree that can grow 20 - 30 metres tall[ 506 Title The Flora of British India. (in 7 volumes) Publication Author Hooker J.D. Website http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org Publisher L.Reeve & Co.; London Year 1872 - 1897 ISBN Description Rather dated, but has some information on plant uses. It can be downloaded from the Internet. ]. Another record says that it is no more than 10 metres tall[ K Title Plants for a Future Author Ken Fern Description Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips. ]. There is some confusion over the correct identity of this plant - see the notes above on nomenclature. It is quite likely to be a source of the medicinal oil 'chaulmoogra', which is extensively used to treat skin problems, including leprosy. Less likely is ithat it is a source of a useful timber - this use is more likely to apply to Chlorocarpa pentaschista[ K Title Plants for a Future Author Ken Fern Description Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips. ].

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical

Native RangeE. Asia - southern India, ?Sri Lanka

HabitatMoist valleys[ 506 Title The Flora of British India. (in 7 volumes) Publication Author Hooker J.D. Website http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org Publisher L.Reeve & Co.; London Year 1872 - 1897 ISBN Description Rather dated, but has some information on plant uses. It can be downloaded from the Internet. ]. Low country in Sri Lanka, chiefly in drier districts[ 464 Title A Handbook to the Flora of Ceylon Publication Author Trimen H.; continued by Hooker J.D. Website http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org Publisher Dulau and Co; London. Year 1898 ISBN Description Very dated, but still a useful work. It can be downloaded from the Internet. ].