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 subfalcatus is an evergreen tree usually growing 5 - 15 metres tall, but exceptionally to 30 metres[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for its seeds, which are a source of chaulmoogra oil and used in the treatment of a range of skin problems.

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

Southeast Asia - Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines

Habitat

Thickets and forests on level, but never inundated clayey ground,; at elevations around 15 - 25 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 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-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[, ].
The ovoid fruit is around 35 - 60mm long and 25mm wide, containing 2 - 7 seeds each around 15mm long and 10mm wide[].

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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