Common Name:

General Information

Hydnocarpus hainanensis is an evergreen tree that can grow around 6 - 12 metres tall[]
The tree is commonly harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and as a source of wood.
In China the species is under threat from habitat loss and harvesting of the timber and the fruit. Natural regeneration is poor[]. 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 cyanogenetic 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, Vietnam.

Habitat

Evergreen broadleaved forests at elevations from 300 - 1,800 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the tropics and subtropics, growing in areas of seasonal rainfall[].
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 seeds have a relatively high component of chaulmoogric oil, which is locally important for the treatment of skin conditions[].

Other Uses

An oil obtained from the seed is used medicinally[].

The wood is hard, heavy, compact, durable, and decay-resistant[].
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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