The genus Hydnocarpus is currently (2015) under review and there seems no clear and generally accepted treatment currently available. Because different authorities are treating the genus differently, we have included several species here where we are uncertain if we are using the correct name - or even if we are including it more than once under different names. Although its position is currently unresolved, this is one of the species we are more confident about[].

Common Name:

General Information

Hydnocarpus polypetalus is an evergreen tree usually growing 7 - 20 metres tall, though specimens up to 31 metres have been recorded. The bole can be up to 42cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood.

Known Hazards

Although we have seen no specific information for this species, the seeds of many members of this genus contain cyanogetic glycosides[, ]. 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 References

Range

Southeast Asia - Malaysia, Indonesia

Habitat

A mid-canopy tree in primary forest on level, never inundated localities, on sandy or clayey soil, along riverbanks, mostly scattered, seldom gregarious; at elevations from 10 - 600 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally require well-drained sandy or loamy silt soils and grow best along creek beds or on the banks of streams[].
Seeds tend to go rancid rather quickly. Therefore ripe fruits should be opened and the fruit pulp and aril removed from the seeds. Seeds are then washed and dried in the sun. Sun-dried seeds, either whole or broken, are cold-pressed or pressed under concurrent heating to extract the oil. The chemical composition of the end-product of these methods varies[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

We have seen no specific information for this species, but the seeds of many members of the genus contain an oil that is rich in the medically active compounds chaulmoogric and hydnocarpic acid. The oil has been shown to be an effective topical treatment for a range of skin problems (including leprosy), wounds, rheumatism etc[].
The globose fruit is around 9cm in diameter, containing about 20 seeds each 20mm long and 10mm wide[].

Other Uses

An oil is extracted from the seeds[]. We have no more information, but this is most likely to be for medicinal use, though the oil of some species is also used as an illuminant and in soap making[].

The wood is light-brown[].
When it attains suitable dimensions, the wood of species in this genus is often used locally for house building (poles), temporary heavy construction, posts, fences, interior finishing, panelling and door and window frames[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, when it will usually germinate quickly. Germination of stored seed can be slow, with some species in the genus taking up to 2 years. Sow the seed in a shaded position in a nursery seedbed and keep moist. Grow on the seedlings in shade until large enough to plant out[].

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