Hydnocarpus macrocarpa (Bedd.) Warp.

Systematic Classification:

Division	: Angiospermae
Class		: Dicotyledons
Family		: Flacourtiaceae		
Genus		: Hydnocarpus
Species  	: macrocarpa

Common Name:

Malamarotty

General Information:

Trees up to 15 m tall.Young branchlets terete, minutely pubescent.Leaves simple, alternate, distichous; stipules caducous; petiole 1.2-2 cm long, swollen at apex, pubescent, lamina 17-30 x 6-10 cm, oblong, apex abruptly caudate-acuminate, base acute and asymmetric, margin entire, coriaceous, minutely pubescent on midrib beneath; midrib raised above; secondary nerves 6-8 pairs, obliquely ascending towards apex; tertiary nerves closely and horizontally percurrent.Flowers in fascicles on short peduncles on older branches, white; stamens many.Fruit and Seed.Berry, woody, globose, to 15 cm across, dark brown tomentose; seeds numerous, angular.

Economic Importance:

• In very small quantities this has been used medicinally, having been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.
• There are a number of species in this genus that are collected for the medicinal benefits of the oil in their seeds. It is most likely that the oil is used to treat skin problems, wounds etc.