Description

Barringtonia Acutangula, also known as Indian Oak, is a tropical tree that belongs to the family Lecythidaceae. It is native to coastal regions of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean, including the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia. The tree can grow up to 25 meters in height, with a straight trunk and a broad crown. It bears large, dark green leaves that are leathery and glossy. The tree produces large, showy, pink or white flowers that bloom at night and have a sweet fragrance. The fruit of Barringtonia Acutangula is a round, woody capsule that contains up to 80 seeds.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Barringtonia Acutangula is a large, evergreen tree with a straight trunk and a broad crown. The tree can grow up to 25 meters in height and has a spread of up to 15 meters. The bark of the tree is greyish-brown, smooth, and has shallow fissures. The leaves are large, dark green, leathery, and glossy. They are oval-shaped, with a pointed tip and a slightly wavy margin. The leaves can grow up to 25 centimeters in length and 12 centimeters in width. The tree produces large, showy, pink or white flowers that bloom at night and have a sweet fragrance. The flowers are up to 10 centimeters in diameter and have five petals. The fruit of Barringtonia Acutangula is a round, woody capsule that is up to 10 centimeters in diameter. The capsule contains up to 80 seeds.

Care Guide

Barringtonia Acutangula is a low-maintenance tree that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this tree:Water: Barringtonia Acutangula prefers moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought. Water the tree regularly during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer every spring to promote healthy growth.Soil: Barringtonia Acutangula prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.Sunlight: Barringtonia Acutangula thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as well.Hardiness Zones: Barringtonia Acutangula is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12.

Common Pests & Diseases

Barringtonia Acutangula is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot, root rot, and stem canker. Here are some tips on how to prevent and treat these problems:Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves. To prevent leaf spot, avoid overhead watering and keep the area around the tree clean. Fungicides can be used to treat severe cases.Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot and the tree to wilt. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage. Fungicides can be used to treat severe cases.Stem canker: Stem canker is a bacterial disease that causes the bark to split and the tree to die. To prevent stem canker, avoid injuring the trunk and branches and keep the area around the tree clean. Antibiotics can be used to treat severe cases.

Habitat

Barringtonia Acutangula is native to coastal regions of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean, including the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia. The tree prefers to grow in coastal areas, estuaries, and riverbanks. It can tolerate salt spray and can grow in sandy soils.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Barringtonia Acutangula a fast-growing tree?
A: No, Barringtonia Acutangula is a slow-growing tree.Q: Can Barringtonia Acutangula be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Barringtonia Acutangula can be grown in a container, but it may not reach its full potential size.Q: Does Barringtonia Acutangula have any medicinal uses?
A: Yes, various parts of Barringtonia Acutangula have traditional medicinal uses in Southeast Asia, including the bark, leaves, and roots.Q: Is Barringtonia Acutangula an endangered species?
A: No, Barringtonia Acutangula is not currently listed as an endangered species.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Barringtonia Acutangula:

• Barringtonia asiatica
• Barringtonia racemosa
• Barringtonia macrostachya

References

• “Barringtonia Acutangula.” Floridata.
• “Barringtonia Acutangula.” Plants of the World Online.
• “Barringtonia Acutangula.” World Agroforestry Centre.
• “Barringtonia Acutangula.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families.