Hydnocarpus castaneus[2] is an Asian tree species in the family Achariaceae. It is now accepted that Hydnocarpus anthelminthicus is a synonym[3] and its native range is from Burma, the rest of Indochina through to W. Malesia;[4] this species is now also cultivated in southern China.[5]

Hydnocarpus castaneus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Achariaceae
Genus: Hydnocarpus
Species:
H. castaneus
Binomial name
Hydnocarpus castaneus
Synonyms
  • Hydnocarpus anthelminthicus Pierre ex Laness.[1]
  • Hydnocarpus castanea Hook.f. & Thomson
  • Hydnocarpus castaneus subsp. pseudoverrucosus Sleumer

Description

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This tree species grows to between 10 and 20 m with coriaceous, glabrous leaves 150–300 mm long. The spherical fruits are velvety and brown-black, with a diameter of 70–150 mm and containing 30–50 fleshy 15-20mm seeds.[6]

Traditional medicine

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Also widely known under its name H. anthelminthicus, suggesting anthelmintic properties, the Vietnamese is lọ nồi[6] (sometimes Ðại phong tử). It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it may be called dà fēng zǐ or 泰国大风子 tai guo da feng zi.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Hydnocarpus castaneus". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2008-02-09.
  2. ^ Hooker JD, Thomson T (1872) Fl. Brit. Ind. 1: 197.
  3. ^ Plants of the World Online (retrieved 29 November 2020)
  4. ^ Plants of the World Online: Hydnocarpus castaneus Hook.f. & Thomson (retrieved 11 June 2020)
  5. ^ a b Flora of China: Hydnocarpus anthelminthicus (retrieved 12 June 2020
  6. ^ a b Phạm Hoàng Hộ (1999) Cây Cỏ Việt Nam: an Illustrated Flora of Vietnam vol. I (entry: 2156) publ. Nhà Xuẩt Bản Trẻ, HCMC, VN.
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