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 macrocarpus is a large, evergreen tree.
The tree is probably harvested from the wild for its seeds, which have medicinal uses.
The tree has a restricted range in southwest India. Large areas of forest have been destroyed for the Kodayar Hydroelectric Project and also for the establishment of plantation crops. Outlying populations exist further north towards Anamalai. The fruits have been overcollected for medicinal use[].

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

E. Asia - southwest India

Habitat

An understorey tree in low and medium elevation wet evergreen forests at elevations up to 1,000 metres

Properties

Medicinal 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[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

There are a number of species in this genus that are collected for the medicinal benefits of the oil in their seeds. We know that the fruits of this species are harvested[], but have seen no confirmation of how they are used medicinally. It is most likely that the oil is used to treat skin problems, wounds etc[].
The fruit of this species is a woody, globose berry up to 15cm in diameter, containing up to 50 seeds tightly packed together.

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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