Barringtonia racemosa (Fish Killer Tree)

16/05/2013

Barringtonia racemosa (L.) Spreng. 1826, commonly called Fish Killer Tree, Fish Poison Wood, Freshwater Mangrove or Powder Puff Tree, is a spectacular flowering tree, native to East Africa, South East Asia and the Pacific Islands.


The Fish Killer Tree reach a height up to about 8 meters, occasionally with perfect conditions up to 20 meters. Barringtonia J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. 1775, commonly called cornbeefwood, a genus of flowering plants has been named in honour to the English lawyer, antiquary and naturalist Daines Barrington (1728 – 1800). Seeds, bark, wood and roots contain the poison Saponin and are used as a fish poison, which illustrates the common names Fish Killer Tree or Fish Poison Wood. The spectacular flowers are born on hanging, up to 1 meter long racemes and open successively at nighttime. The powder puff like, white-pinkish flowers attract moths and bats and are highly fragrant with a sweet, slightly spicy scent.


Fish Killer Trees (Barringtonia racemosa) are propagated by seeds or cuttings and are fast growing. The tropical tree is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its stunning, fragrant flowers, but also for its attractive leaves, which get a length of about 30 cm. Barringtonia racemosa requires a warm - hot climate and as a Mangrove-like plant it should be watered regulary.
The Fish Killer Tree doesn`t tolerate even mild frost.

Barringtonia racemosa (Fish Killer Tree)
Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Barringtonia racemosa (Fish Killer Tree)


Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Barringtonia racemosa (Fish Killer Tree)

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