Sea Poison Tree

Barringtonia asiatica

Name

Marathi: समुद्रफळ

Biological Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Spermatophyta
Sub-Division: Angiospermae
Class: Dicotyledonae
Sub-Class: Polypetalae
Series: Calyciflorae
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Sub-Family: --
Genus: Barringtonia
Species: asiatica

Advantages

  • It is commonly found in gardens and along the roadsides.
  • It is also known as Fish Poison tree or Sea Poison tree referring to its toxic properties.

Interesting Facts

The tree is now placed under Lecythidaceae family, which is closely similar to Myrtaceae family.

 

Description

  • It is a big tree with alternate, large and obovate leaves.
  • The tree blooms throughout the year, but the flowers bloom at night and last only one night.
  • Barringtonia asiatica (L.) Kurz.