SelecTree: Tree Detail

BARRINGTONIA
Barringtonia asiatica

Barringtonia asiatica Barringtonia asiatica Barringtonia asiatica Barringtonia asiatica Barringtonia asiatica Barringtonia asiatica Barringtonia asiatica Barringtonia asiatica Barringtonia asiatica Barringtonia asiatica Barringtonia asiatica Barringtonia asiatica Barringtonia asiatica Barringtonia asiatica Barringtonia asiatica

Photo Locations: Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden - Key West, FL, University of Hawaii and Hilo, HI

General Notes

There are 39 species of Barringtonia, mostly from tropical Africa, the most famous of which is B. asiatica, from tropical Asia. It’s a tree with broad, shiny leaves, square woody fruits, and white flowers that bloom at night and resemble shaving brushes. Barringtonia thrives around brackish water, near lagoons, and along the coast, and is occasionally planted in Hawai'i. In some areas of the Pacific, the seed is crushed, mixed with water and added to tidal pools to stupefy fish for easier catching. Barringtonia asiatica has a HPWRA (Hawai'i Pacific Weed Risk Assessment) score of -8 (Low Risk), and the Plant Pono link is: https://plantpono.org/pono-plants/barringtonia-asiatica/

Has fragrant Flower.

Native to Madagascar to Pacific.

Family: Lecythidaceae

Additional Common Names

BARRINGTONIA, HOTU, HUTU, SHAVING BRUSH TREE, FISH POISON TREE, PUTAT, SEA POISON TREE

Tree Characteristics

Erect or Spreading Low or High Canopy.

Spreading Shape.

Has Evergreen foliage.

Height: 20 - 50 feet.

Width: 30 - 60 feet.

Growth Rate: 24 Inches per Year.

Leaves Oblong to Obovate, Green, No Change, Evergreen.

Flowers Showy. Fragrant White or Pink. Flowers in Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer. Has perfect flowers (male and female parts in each flower).

Prolific, Yellowish to Light Brown Drupe, Very Large (Over 3.00 inches), fruiting in Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer.

Bark Light Brown to Brown, Rough or Smooth.

Shading Capacity Rated as Dense in Leaf.

Litter Issue is Flowers, Dry Fruit and Leaves.

Tree Site Conditions & Constraints

Sunset Zones H1, H2.

USDA Hardiness Zones 10 - 12.

Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Moist but Well Drained Soil.

Drought tolerant.

Loam or Sand Texture.

Slightly Acidic to Neutral Soil pH.

Salinity Tolerance is Coastal Good.

Seaside Tolerance is Good in Mild Zone.

Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns

Poisonous Health Hazard.

Attracts Bats.

Special Uses & Values

Seaside, Shade Tree, Specimen Tree.

Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Barringtonia asiatica Tree Record." 1995-2021. Apr 17, 2021.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/barringtonia-asiatica >

This tree is not part of the SelecTree Nursery Connection. If you would like to see this tree listed, or know of a nursery that sells it, please contact us at ufei@calpoly.edu.