Achariaceae FAMILY Vulnerable

Hydnocarpus pentandrus

Edibility

0/5

Medicinal

4/5

Safety & Hazards

Although we have seen no specific information for this species, the seeds of many members of this genus contain cyanogetic 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 pentandrus is an evergreen tree growing 9 - 15 metres tall[ 304 Title Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants Publication Author Kapoor. L. D. Publisher CRC Press, Florida. Year 2001 ISBN 0-8493-2929-9 Description A very detailed book on some of the key Ayurvedic herbs, giving both technical and non-technical information on each plant. The whole is very well referenced. ]. A very important medicinal tree in India, where the fruits are commonly harvested from the wild both for local use and for trade. It is particularly valued in the treatment of leprosy and skin conditions. The oil from the seeds is also used as an illuminant in lamps, whilst the wood is also used locally. Major threats to this species are loss of habitat and habitat fragmentation, unsustainable collection of the fruits for medicinal use, and predation by squirrels. Populations are believed to have been reduced by around 40% since the mid 20th century. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2014)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical

Native RangeE. Asia - southern India.

HabitatForests[ 146 Title A Manual of Indian Timbers. Publication Author Gamble. J. S. Publisher Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh Year 1972 ISBN - Description First written in the 19th century, but still a classic, giving a lot of information on the uses and habitats of Indian trees. Not for the casual reader. ]. Mainly found along the sides of watercourses, from moist deciduous to semi-evergreen forests[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].