This medium size tree has a short thick trunk and spreading branches that form a broad rounded crown. It has oblong glossy dark green leathery leaves and the white saucer-shaped flowers have many long stamens and appears from spring to summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Barringtonia asiatica is naturally found from Madagascar to India, Sri Lanka and Philippines extending to the South Pacific Islands growing in coastal forests or around swamps, lagoons and along river estuaries. It is often buttress at the base and the nocturnally fragrant flowers are pollinated by bats.

It prefers well drained fertile moist soils and is salt wind and saline soil tolerant. It grows in an open sunny position and is drought and frost tender.

The Fish Poison Tree is grown for its flowers, rounded crown and saline tolerance. It is planted in tropical settings on beach fronts or along water courses and is also used in parks and gardens for shade. It establishes in 3 to 5 years and is long lived. The grounded seeds are sometimes used as bait to stun fish in Polynesia. ID 2925

Note:
This plant is not commonly cultivated and may be difficult to obtain requiring a specialist nursery.

Barringtonia(bair-ring-TO-nee-a) asiatica (ay-zee-AT-i-ka)

Lecythidaceae(LESS-ee-thee-DAY-see-ee)