Common Name:

General Information

Horsfieldia iryaghedhi is an evergreen tree growing 5 - 25 metres tall. The straight bole can be 50cm in diameter[]. Stilt roots are sometimes present when the plant is growing in wet soil[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for its wood, essential oil, and a wax that can be obtained from its fruit. It is cultivated as an ornamental in parts of Asia[].
This species was not found during the extensive forest surveys conducted for the National Conservation Review in the 1990's, indicating that it is either extremely rare or possibly extinct. The plant is classified as 'Critically Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Sri Lanka.

Habitat

Lowland rain forest, wet evergreen or intermediate forest; also in disturbed forest; at elevations from sea level to 500 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Critically Endangered
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	18.00 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the moist tropical lowlands, where it can be found at elevations up to 500 metres[].

The tree can flower and fruit all year round[].
The flowers, especially of the male form, are extremely fragrant[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A wax can be obtained from cooking the fruits[].

The male flowers are extremely fragrant, with precisely the scent of sandal-wood ; a scent is made from them[]..

The wood is white to light yellow with red streaks[]. It is moderately heavy and even-grained[, ]. It is used locally for making boats[].

Propagation

Seed - dries out easily, loses its viability rapidly, and cannot be stored. It is best sown in a shaded position in a nursery seedbed - germination is usually fairly quick with the seed of most species sprouting within 2 - 17 weeks[, , ]. Grow the young plants on in a shady position, planting them out in their permanent positions when large enough.

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