Hydnocarpus alcalae C.DC.
Family
Flacourtiaceae
Synonyms
None
Vernacular Names
| Philippines | Dudoa (Bikol). |
Geographical Distributions
Hydnocarpus alcalae is found in Philippines (southern Luzon), but planted and naturalised elsewhere in Malesia.
Description
Hydnocarpus alcalae is a small tree or shrub that can reach up to 4-7 m tall and with smooth branches.
The leaves are ovate-oblong, measuring 15-25 cm x 7-11 cm, subcoriaceous, with very asymmetrical base and acuminate at apex.
The inflorescence is a pseudo-racemose panicle measuring 15-30(-60) cm long. The male inflorescence is in fascicles of 3-4 while the female inflorescence is solitary, cauliflorous or ramiflorous. The flowers are 5-merous, greenish white or cream.
The fruit is obovoid, pendent, measuring 15-31 cm x 8-15(-20) cm, and dark brown with purple and greenish spots. The exocarp is 0.3-0.7 mm thick while the stony mesocarp is 6 mm thick. The soft endocarp is 7 mm thick and with 80-110 seeds.
The seeds are nearly globular or ellipsoidal, measuring 3-5 cm x 2.5-3 cm, with a pale yellow aril, and embedded in a fragrant and astringent pulp.
Ecology / Cultivation
Hydnocarpus alcalae occurs naturally in moist ravines.
Line Drawing / Photograph
References
- Plant Resources of South-East Asia No. 12(1): Medicinal and poisonous plants 1.
