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.
Traditional medicinal use
Functionality
Functional constituents
Fresh young leaves are eaten as a side dish with hot, spicy dishes. The edible part exhibits extremely high antioxidant activity.
Fruits
Flowers
Leaves