Barringtonia acutangula (Barringtoniaceae)
- Scientific name
- Barringtonia acutangula
- Family name
- Barringtoniaceae
- Common name
- Freshwater mangrove (English)
- Local name
- Chik naa
Leaves 7–20 cm, narrowly obovate with tapering tip, finely toothed. Inflorescence slender, dangling, 20–58 cm long, comprising 60–90 flowers. Flowers 1–2.5 cm long; individual stalks 0.3–1.2 cm long; all stamens with anthers. Fruit slightly 4-sided. In similar Barringtonia augusta, leaves 30–60 cm, not toothed; flowers 3.5–5 cm in clusters 60–250 cm long, with thick main stalks; individual stalks < 0.1 cm, base of flower with 4 hairy ridges; fruits with 4 wavy ridges, 2–5 mm wide.
Fresh young leaves are eaten as a side dish with hot, spicy dishes. The edible part exhibits extremely high antioxidant activity.