Hydnocarpus ilicifolius
Hydnocarpus ilicifolius
Safety & Hazards
Although we have seen no specific information for this species, the seeds of many members of this genus contain cyanogenetic 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 ilicifolius is an evergreen shrub, or more commonly a tree. It usually grows from 10 - 30 metres tall[ 451 Title Flora Malesiana Series 1 Publication Author Various Website http://www.archive.org Publisher Nationaal Herbarium Nederiand, Universiteit Leiden branch Year 0 ISBN Description A massive treatment of the plants of the Malaysian Archipelago. Much of it has been made available to download from the Internet ]. The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of oil and wood. This genus is the souce of chaulmoogri oil, which is much used in the treatment of a range of skin conditions, including leprosy. Whilst the main source is probably Hydnocarpus kurzii, many other species are also harvested from the wild and used interchangeably. We have no specific information for this species, but it is likely to be one of those alternative species[ K Title Plants for a Future Author Ken Fern Description Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips. ].