Large-leaf putat tree
Barringtonia macrocarpa

Family: Lecythidaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 3-7 m tall. The trunk is thin and straight. It is 5-15 cm across. The leaves are alternate. The leaves are broadly sword shaped. They extend down along the stem at the base. The flowers hang down along a long stalk amongst the leaves. The flowers are greenish with red tips.

There are about 40 Barringtonia species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Java it grows from the lowlands to 600 m above sea level. It grows in shady places and near water on non saline soils.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young slender sprouts or shoots are eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds and cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Bulat, Chik nom yan, Inonoi, Pohon putat songgom, Potet, Songgom, Songol

Synonyms

Barringtonia comosa Gagnep.; Barringtonia helferi C. B. Clarke; Barringtonia insignis (Blume) Miq.; Barringtonia reinwardtii Miq.; Barringtonia serrata Miq.; Megadendron macrocarpum (Hassk.) Miers; Michelia helferi (C. B. Clarke) Kuntze; Michelia reinwardtii (Miq.) Kuntze; Michelia serrata (Miq.) Kuntze; Stravadium insigne Blume; Stravadium reinwardtii (Miq.) Miers; Stravadium serratum (Miq.) Miers;