Besole tree, Kolowe tree
Chydenanthus excelsus

Family: Lecythidaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows about 8-28 m high. The branches are broadly spreading and drooping. The leaves are simple and alternate. The leaves are long and pointed. They are 14-27 cm long by 5-10 cm wide. The flowering panicle is 10-17 cm long. The flowers are pink to white. The fruit are a capsule that is brown when ripe. There are 2 seeds.

The seeds are used as a fish poison.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in forests and mangroves. It grows between 10-200 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Andamans, Asia, Australia, China, Fiji, India, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nicobar, Pacific, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, South America, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Seeds, nuts, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Besole, Bludeng, Brosol, Kolowe, Pohon besole, Rumput jarum

Synonyms

Barringtonia cymosa C. E. C. Fisch.; Barringtonia excelsa Blume; Barringtonia pietersii R. Knuth; Barringtonia vriesei Teijsm. & Binn.; Chydenanthus dentatoserratus R. Knuth; Doxomma vriesei (Teijsm. & Binn.) Miers; Michelia excelsa (Blume) Kuntzr Michelia vriesei (Teijsm. & Binn.) Kuntze; Stravadium excelsum (Blume) DC.;