Family: Lecythidaceae

These medium-sized mainly evergreen trees are mostly from tropical Asia and the Pacific with some from East Africa. The large leaves cluster at the ends of the branches and the fascinating flowers are formed of short petals and masses of long stamens. Usually in white or a reddish colour, they bloom profusely on pendulous stems.

Species

Not all are available in the UK.

B. asiatica, the fish poison tree, occurs mainly in seaside areas around the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is a small tree, growing to about 5 m (16 ft), with long, shiny leaves and striking white flowers with long stamens. A four-sided fruit develops after flowering. This fruit is extremely buoyant and capable of floating long distances. Fishermen use them as floats for nets. While few other species of Barringtonia are cultivated, they should be more widely grown as the foliage is very attractive, turning brilliant red before falling, mainly in spring. New growth commences almost at once.

Cultivation

In zone 10 it makes a good seaside plant. In cooler zones you can grow it in pots, in a warm greenhouse providing bright light. Propagate from seed.

Climate

Zone 10.