Barringtonia racemosa is a common shrub to medium-sized tree commonly known as putat ayam or putat kampung. It is a tree from the Lecythidaceae family. It is found in coastal swamp forests and on the edges of estuaries in the Indian Ocean, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Maldives, Thailand, Laos, southern China, northern Australia, coastal Taiwan, the Ryukyu Islands and many Polynesian islands.
Botanical Description
Barringtonia is recognized by having attractive and long inflorescences, which can reach up to 100 cm and give the plant a most unique appearance. The flowers are white to pale pinkish and strongly scented. They bloom at night but survive for only one night. Bats are important pollinators for this species.
Historical / Cultural Significance
Most parts of the tree contain saponins which are naturally occurring plant glycosides that are poisonous. The seed is usually used medicinally for various ailments and diseases since it contains the highest concentration of glycosides. The extract of all parts of the plant may be used as an insecticide. However, the young leaves are not poisonous, and the local Kelantanese eat it as a vegetable or ulam. In the past, the tannin yielded from the bark was used as a natural red dye to colour leather goods
Folklore / Etymology
Barringtonia racemosa, commonly known as the powder-puff tree, fish poison tree, or freshwater mangrove, holds significant cultural, medicinal, and ecological value in many regions where it is native.