Common Name:

General Information

Archidendron microcarpum is a tree growing up to 15 metres tall. The straight bole can be free of branches for up to 10.5 metres and up to 20cm in diameter[]. The tree occasionally has buttresses up to 60cm tall[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its edible seedpod, medicinal uses and timber, all of which are used locally.

Known Hazards

Although we have no specific information for this species, the seeds of several other members of this genus contain the amino acid derivative djenkolic acid. Ingestion of seed containing this substance can cause the formation of sharp needle-like crystals of djenkolic acid in the kidney or urinary tract. In severe cases, crystals of djenkolic acid have been found in urine. Indeed, people who are suffering from djenkolism show similar symptoms to those suffering from kidney or urinary stones, a condition for which it has been frequently mistaken[].

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Malaysia, Indonesia.

Habitat

Light primary and secondary rainforest; forest margins; by rivers; common on hillsides and ridge-tops, also in swampy forest; growing in sandy, sandy loam, lateritic, black, or ultrabasic soils at elevations up to 50O metres, exceptionally to 1,200 m[]

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	15.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the moist lowland tropics, where it is usually found at elevations below 500 metres.

Plants can flower and fruit all year round[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

The strong-smelling pods are reported to be used as a seasoning for food[].

Medicinal

The shoots and roots are prescribed as a treatment against itch[].

The pounded leaves are used for rubbing the skin of patients suffering from smallpox[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is white, the sapwood white or yellowish-white, sometimes streaked with red. The wood is soft. It is used locally for construction purposes[].

Propagation

Seed -

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