Family: Lecythidaceae
Common name: Powder-puff tree, Fish-killer tree, Freshwater mangrove, Fish poison tree, Small leaves Barringtonia, Fish poison wood
Powder-puff tree is a beautiful tree with pendulant red and white flowers, that is commonly seen in the coastal areas. They are distributed in many tropical countries in Africa, Asia, and Australia, thriving in saline, brackish, or mangrove-like conditions.
Tree characteristics
Powder-puff trees can grow to a height of 15-20 meters with stilted or aerial roots that grow above the ground. These aerial roots grow vertically downwards from the branches, supporting the tree and providing oxygen and nutrients.
While growing in saline, water-logged conditions, the roots have an important role to play in maintaining osmotic balance and stability of the tree.
Stem of the Powder-puff tree is well-branched, greyish-brown with deep fissures and blotches. Leaves are large, glossy, leathery, oval or elliptical in shape, about 20-30 cm long.
Leaf margins are smooth with dark green upper surface and a pale green lower surface. Leaves of the Powder-puff tree are clustered at the tip of the branches.
Powder-puff tree flowers are very unique and beautiful, giving the tree its name. They grow as long, pendulous structures that are about 1 meter long, with many pinkish-red buds and flowers.
Red buds open up into showy, fluffy flowers that are about 3-3.5 cm in diameter with numerous stamens. Flowers have a faintly sweet fragrance that is particularly noticeable in the evening, when the flowers are fully open.
The long threads of stamens create a fringed, puffy effect giving the tree its name Powder-puff tree. Multiple flowers hanging from the stems like chandeliers make the tree elegant, a good addition to any garden.
Fruits of the Powder-puff tree are large, woody capsules that are quadrangular in shape about 4-6 cm in diameter. Each fruit has a single seed covered by a fibrous, pulpy layer that helps keep the fruit afloat for water dispersal.
The seeds are toxic and are often used to poison the fish, hence giving the tree its name Fish killer tree or Fish poison tree.
Gardening tips
Powder-puff trees need good sunlight and watering. They are tolerant of saltwater, salinity, poor soil, and mangrove-like conditions. While grown in gardens, make sure the trees are well-watered, especially during summer months.
Pruning can be done to prevent the tree from spreading too much, and also to remove any diseased branches.
They can be grown in home gardens and landscaped areas provided there is good watering options. A word of caution – Seeds are toxic, and hence it is advisable to keep small children and pets away from this tree.
Uses of Powder-puff trees
Though they are mostly grown as ornamentals, these trees have many uses. Parts of the tree is used in the treatment of fever, joint pain, chicken pox, cough, asthma, skin diseases, worms, and hypertension.
Since the seeds are highly toxic, no part of the plant should be consumed without expert medical advise.
The seeds produce an oil which can be used to light lamps. The bark of the tree yields tannin which is used in dyeing.
Wood is not very strong and is used for light wood construction like posts, beams, flooring, household utensils, crates, and boxes.
The seeds are used for fishing, and also in manufacturing insecticides, which are quite potent.
Powder-puff trees contribute to the environment significantly, with their ability to grow along shorelines, coasts, and areas with the probability of soil erosion.
Their aerial roots hold the top soil in place, preventing it from eroding. They also provide shelter and housing for many birds and small animals that live near the water bodies.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.
Fruits of the Powder-puff tree are very buoyant and can be carried to distant shores by water, where the seeds germinate and produce a new set of trees. Semi-hardwood cuttings can also germinate well when planted in soil after dipping them in rooting hormone.
Photographed at: Lunuganga, Sri Lanka
