Botong Tree (Barringtonia asiatica)

 Botong Tree (Barringtonia asiatica)

Barringtonia asiatica (Fish Poison Tree, Putat or Sea Poison Tree) is a species of Barringtonia native to mangrove habitats on the tropical coasts and islands of the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean from Zanzibar east to Taiwan, the Philippines, Fiji, New Caledonia, the Cook Islands, Wallis and Futuna and French Polynesia. It is grown along streets for decorative and shade purposes in some parts of India, for instance in some towns on southeastern shore. It is also known as Box Fruit due the distinct box-shaped fruit it produces. The local name futu is the source of the name for the Polynesian island Futuna.The type specimen was collected by botanist Pehr Osbeck on a sandy beach area on the island of Java, later to be described (and given the original name of Mammea asiatica) by Carl Linnaeus in his Species Plantarum in 1753

 The fruits have a typical lantern shape and float on the water. The fruit can survive drifting on the sea for long distances and for periods of up to 2 years. The outermost layer of the fruit wall is green turning brown when ripe. The middle layer is spongy and contains air sacs to help the fruit float. The innermost layer is hard and thick to protect the seed (the layers of spongy and hard coverings are somewhat similar to the coconut). All parts of the tree contain saponin, a poison. The seeds and other parts of the plant are pounded, pulped or grated to release the poison and used to stun fish in freshwater streams. The floating seeds are sometimes used as fishing floats.

 

 Botong Benefits

* The other parts of the poison tree can also be used to cure certain health problems. The heated leaves can be used to treat stomach ache and rheumatism. Seeds are also effective in getting rid of intestinal worms.

* According to traditional users, the scraped contents of the fruit of this tree can cure many health problems like cysts, goiter, tumor, boils, and all kinds of lumps or bumps.