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 alcalae is an evergreen shrub or a small tree, usually growing from 4 - 10 metres tall. The bole can be up to 30cm in diameter and is usually slightly fluted near the base[, , ].
This species produces the largest fruits known in the genus and is a good source of chaulmoogric and hydnocarpic acids. Prior to the synthesis of modern drugs for treating leprosy, the fruits were much harvested for their oil - indeed they are still very commonly used in traditional medicine. The plant was often cultivated for its oil in the past, though with the advent of synthetic leprosy drugs in the 1960s, this cultivation has lost its importance[].

Known Hazards

Although we have seen no specific information for this species, the seeds of many members of this genus contain cyanogenic 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 - Philippines

Habitat

Moist ravines at low elevations[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	7.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best on well-drained, sandy, alluvial flats and floodplains along rivers, or at least in moist but well-drained surroundings[, ].
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

The seed oil has been used extensively in the treatment of leprosy and skin diseases[]. It is a good cure for wounds[].
The obovoid fruit is dark brown with purple and greenish spots, 15 - 31cm long and 8 - 15cm wide, containing 80 - 110 seeds 30 - 50mm long and 25 - 30mm wide[].

The oil-rich seeds contain high concentrations of the cyclopentenyl fatty acid chaulmoogric acid and hydnocarpic acid. These are the most medically active components in chaulmoogra oil (obtained from various Hydnocarpus species) and commonly used in the treatment of a wide range of skin problems, including leprosy[, ].

Other Uses

None known

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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