Barringtonia asiatica

English Names: Sea Poison Tree, Fish Poison Tree

Vernacular name: Kyee-bin

Barringtonia asiaticais native to tropical coasts and islands of the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean. It is a tree growing to a height of 8 to 15 meters. Flowers are very large and white. It is cultivated as a shade tree along boulevards and avenues by the sea.

Uses: The leaves ofB. asiaticaare heated and externally applied for stomach-ache. In Indonesia and the Philippines, the fruit or seed is used as a fish poison. The dried nut is ground, mixed with water and drunk to treat coughs, influenza, sore throat and bronchitis. Externally it is applied to wounds and a swollen spleen after an attack of malaria. The wood is light and soft and is used for light work, carving and turnery.

Height: 15 to 25 ft.

Difficulty to grow: Difficult to grow, much care needed

Care: Grows best in a fertile, humid, well-drained soil. It Prefers a position in full sun or light shade. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant. Plants are very tolerant of saline conditions and salt laden winds.

Sun light: Full sun or light shade.

Soil: Fertile, humid, well-drained soil

Water: After every 15 days

Fertilizer: Use NPK or Organic compost.

References:

http://www.stuartxchange.org/Botong.html

http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Barringtonia+asiatica