Common Name:

General Information

Hydnocarpus annamensis is an evergreen tree that can grow from 8 - 25 metres tall[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine, and possibly also for its wood.
In China this species has suffered catastrophic damage due to clearance for agriculture. In addition, the fruits are often harvested for their medicinal value[]. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

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

E. Asia - southern China, Laos, Vietnam

Habitat

Moist mountain slopes, thickets along streams; at elevations from 200 - 600 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
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

The oil in the seeds is used medicinally[]. No further information is given, but it is likely to be the same uses as other members of the genus, for the treatment of skin conditions (including leprosy), wounds etc[].

Other Uses

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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